Chapter 38 simple complex and compound sentences
Answers
Explanation:
Sentence formation is one of the key ingredients to good writing. There are several forms of sentences you can use in your writing - simple, compound, complex and compound-complex - and knowing how to use all of them will allow you to express your ideas with clarity and in great detail. You'll also be able to add variety to your work to keep the reader interested.
Of all sentence constructions, compound-complex sentences are typically the longest and most involved. This is because they combine two different types of sentences into one long sentence. To be specific, a compound-complex sentence unites a compound sentence with a complex sentence.
Understanding the Clause
Before you start writing compound-complex sentences, you'll need to understand the two types of clauses in a sentence. A clause is any portion of a sentence that includes a subject and a verb. The word "clause" itself does not necessarily describe a complete sentence. However, simple sentences are made of an independent clause, which can stand alone as a complete sentence. For example:
Erin loves her brother.
The dog ran off.
I am tall.
Each of the sentences above has a subject and verb, and it stands by itself as a complete idea. This is an independent clause or a complete simple sentence. The other kind of clause is a dependent clause. These are not complete sentences, but they do contain a noun and a verb. For example:
When I come home
If you sell the most cookies
Because she is so smart
Notice that each of these clauses begins with a relative pronoun. This is the word that turns an independent clause into a dependent clause that must be attached to another independent clause. It cannot stand alone. You need more information to complete the thought.
Compound Sentences
Compound sentences are formed by combining two independent clauses. For example:
Erin loves her brother, and he loves her too.
The dog ran off, but I didn't care.
I am tall, yet she is short.
Note that when independent clauses are joined, they need a coordinating conjunction between them. Coordinating conjunctions include the following words: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. When you write a compound sentence, you need to use a comma before the coordinating conjunction to punctuate your sentence correctly.
Complex Sentences
When a dependent clause is joined to an independent clause, it forms a complex sentence. The dependent clause can come either at the beginning or the end of the sentence. For example:
When I come home, I will eat dinner.
If you sell the most cookies, you will win the prize.
The college gave her a scholarship because she is so smart.