ENGL 1711 03

Make sure to read the definitions of the three main sentence types and follow the instructions to complete the review. 

 

A clause is a subject + a verb.  Another word for an independent clause is a sentence. 

 

Definitions of three main sentence types:

 

A simple sentence is one independent clause.  Example: My dog likes cookies.  Example: My dog and cat like cookies and milk.

 

A compound sentence is two independent clauses joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.  FANBOYS=for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.  Example: My dog likes cookies, but my cat likes milk.

Ø  A semicolon can also join a compound sentence.  Example: My dog likes cookies; my cat likes milk.

 

A complex sentence is one independent clause and one subordinate or dependent clause.  A subordinate clause has a subject and a verb plus a subordinating conjunction. 

 

Example: When she was finished with the assignment, she was relieved.

  

A. Rabbits make great pets because they are so friendly.    

This is a complex sentence. 

 

Explanation: The first clause is independent and could stand alone.  The second clause is subordinate.  “Because they are so friendly” contains a subject, “they” and a verb, “are,” but the word “because” subordinates the clause to the independent one.  Because they are so friendly is a fragment by itself.  It has to be attached to the first part to be complete, “Rabbits make great pets.”   Because the sentence contains an independent and a subordinate clause, it is a complex sentence.

 

B. Rabbits make great pets, but they require a lot of attention.

This is a compound sentence.

 

Explanation: Both of the clauses are independent and could stand alone as a complete sentence.  Therefore, the sentence is compound.  Note, this sentence could also be written with a semicolon.  Rabbits make great pets; they require a lot of attention.  Semicolons should only be used to connect independent clauses. 

 

C. Rabbits and bearded dragons both make great pets for children and adults.

This is a simple sentence.

 

Explanation: Even though there are two subjects, “Rabbits and bearded dragons” and two objects, “children and adults,” there is only one verb and only one independent clause.  Therefore, the sentence is simple. 

After reading the above definitions and doing the online review, draw a single underline under each independent clause and bold each subordinate one.  Then type whether each of the following ten sentences is simple, compound or complex.  A-C are examples of each sentence type.

 

1.  My sister and I like to eat clam chowder with onions.

 

2.  The day started out warm, but the temperature dropped all day.

 

3.  Time is my friend and my enemy.

 

4.  Since it will be hot today, we will turn on the air conditioner.

 

5.  I saw a million fireflies when we were in Arkansas.

 

6.  I went to the mall to buy shoes, yet I couldn’t find any I liked.

 

7.  Making bread involves practice; it can eventually be perfect.

 

8.  Rose quartz is stone used for healing a broken heart.

 

9.  Spend your money while you are alive because you can’t take it with you.