COMPOUND and COMPLEX SENTENCES

[Pages:5]COMPOUND and COMPLEX SENTENCES

As you become a more fluent writer, you will be able to express your ideas in a more complicated, sophisticated way. Basic English syntax is subject-verb-object, with prepositional phrases usually occurring at the beginning or the end. Compound and complex sentences go beyond this basic English sentence pattern and make your writing and your speech more interesting and more precise.

Compound Sentences

I emptied the dishwasher.

My sister set the table.

These are two separate ideas, two complete thoughts, two independent clauses, two separate sentences.

When you write, you can always choose to make two separate sentences out of two separate ideas. Use a period after each sentence.

You also have the option to combine the sentences into one, compound sentence with a connecting word, also called a coordinating conjunction. Three common coordination conjunctions are [and, so, but].

If you choose to use a connecting word, you must make sure the word makes sense and supports your meaning.

Let's look at our example sentences. All three are grammatically correct, but the connecting word you choose depends on your meaning.

1. I emptied the dishwasher and my sister set the table.

This means that two activities were taking place.

2. I emptied the dishwasher but my sister set the table.

This points out the contrast in the type of chore you and your sister did, or the fact that you didn't do both chores.

3. I emptied the dishwasher so my sister could set the table.

This points out that you needed to empty the dishwasher in order for you sister to be able to do her chore.

Green River Community College

ESOL Level 5

Compound & Complex

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There are other useful connecting words called conjunctive adverbs. Some common examples of this kind of connecting word are [furthermore, moreover, also, in addition, besides, in fact, therefore, consequently, thus, as a result, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, or, otherwise, for instance, of course, indeed].

You have a choice with punctuation when you use this kind of connecting word. You can make two separate sentences and end each sentence with a period. In this case, the connecting word would be the first word in the second sentence, and you would use a comma after it. Example: I was late. Therefore, I couldn't find a parking space.

You can also make a compound sentence with your two ideas and the connecting word, and use a semicolon after the first idea and a comma after the connecting word. Example: I was late; therefore, I couldn't find a parking space.

The connecting words in each of these groups are similar, but they are not interchangeable. The best way to learn how to use these words correctly is to try and use them!

and furthermore moreover in addition also besides in fact

so therefore consequently as a result thus

but however nevertheless on the contrary on the other hand still

Green River Community College

ESOL Level 5

Compound & Complex

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Practice with coordinating conjunctions and adverbs

Write several S-V-O sentences on the board.

Examples: I plant sunflowers. The children washed the dishes. We watched a movie. My sister called me. The branch broke. The telephone rang. The dog buried the bone. They will buy a car. The sun shines. They studied English. She lost the key. The cat clawed the sofa. The bird built its nest. I drew a picture. We climbed the mountain. She planted the seeds. He will bake a cake. They drive a car.

Give each table a card with either: and, but, so, furthermore, therefore, however, moreover, consequently, nevertheless, etc.

You can also give each table three more cards: adjective, adverb, prepositional phrase.

Assign a sentence to each table. Their task is to turn the simple sentence into a compound sentence using their connecting word. They can also

Green River Community College

ESOL Level 5

Compound & Complex

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practice adding an adjective, and adverb, and a prepositional phrase to their sentence.

Go over sentences. Focus on meaning. Repeat, using different combinations of connecting words and sentences.

Complex Sentences A complex sentence is made up of a complete sentence (independent clause) and one or more partial sentences (dependent clauses). We use connecting words called subordinating conjunctions to connect them. Some common connecting words of this type are: Time {after, as, as soon as, before, until, when, while, whenever} Cause/Effect {because, since} Condition {if, unless} Purpose {so that} Contrast {though, even though, although}

Punctuating complex sentences If the connecting word comes in the middle of the sentence, you do not need a comma. If you begin your sentence with the connecting word, you need a comma after the first clause.

Example: I came right over when I heard the news. [no comma] When I heard the news, I came right over. [comma]

Green River Community College

ESOL Level 5

Compound & Complex

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We can also make complex sentences with connecting words called relative pronouns.

which that who These words can be used introduce relative clauses, which are a kind of dependent clause. That is, they are not complete sentences. The general rule about commas is that we use commas if the information is extra and is not necessary to identify the noun or pronoun in the main part of the sentence. We use commas with "which." We do not use commas with "that." We sometimes use commas with "who." Example: Buena Vista, which is in Colorado, is a small town.

I got off at the light rail stop that is close to my house. My friend Mary, who is no longer a teacher, lives there. I don't often see my friend who lives there.

Green River Community College

ESOL Level 5

Compound & Complex

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