Simple, Compound, Complex, & Compound Complex

Sentence Structures:

Simple, Compound, Complex, & Compound – Complex

Experienced writers use a variety of sentences to make their writing interesting and lively. Too many simple sentences, for example, will sound choppy and immature while too many long sentences will be difficult to read and hard to understand.

A. Simple

The most basic type of sentence is the simple sentence. A simple sentence, also called an independent clause, contains a subject and a verb, and it expresses a complete thought.

Example: We arrived early today.

A simple sentence can be as short as one word.

Example: Run!

Usually, however, the sentence has a subject as well as a predicate and both the subject and the predicate may have modifiers. All of the following are simple sentences, because each contains only one clause:

Examples:

Melt!

Ice melts.

The ice melts quickly.

The ice on the river melts quickly under the warm March sun.

Lying exposed without its blanket of snow, the ice on the river melts quickly under the warm March sun.

As you can see, a simple sentence can be quite long -- it is a mistake to think that you can tell a simple sentence from a compound sentence or a complex sentence simply by its length.

In written work, simple sentences can be very effective for grabbing a reader's attention or for summing up an argument, but you have to use them with care: too many simple sentences can make your writing seem childish.

When you do use simple sentences, you should add transitions to connect them to the surrounding sentences.

Example:

Simple

Canada is a rich country.

Simple

However, it has many poor people.

(Transition)

B. Compound

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinator (coordinating conjunction). The coordinators are as follows: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. (Helpful hint: The first letter of each of the coordinators spells FANBOYS.) Except for very short sentences, coordinators are always preceded by a comma.

(((( Combining Clauses ))))

Comma + coordinating conjunction
, and , but , or , nor
, for , yet , so

d Method 1

Independent clause Independent clause

Example: We arrived early, so we found a good place to sit.

semicolon
;

d Method 2

Independent clause Independent clause

Example: We arrived early; we found a good place to sit.

d Method 3

Semicolon + adverbial conjunction + comma
; also,
; in addition,
; besides,
; furthermore,
; likewise,
; moreover,
; in fact, / ; indeed,
; for example,
; for instance,
; however,
; nonetheless,
; instead,
; meanwhile, / ; otherwise,
; as a result,
; accordingly,
; consequently,
; therefore,
; nevertheless,

Independent clause Independent clause

Example: We arrived early; consequently, we found a good place to sit.

C. Complex

A complex sentence has one or more dependent clauses (i.e. noun clause, adjective clause, or adverb clause) joined to an independent clause by a subordinator (subordinating conjunction) or a relative clause.

(((( Combining Clauses ))))

Subordinating Conjunction
(or Relative Pronoun) + Dependent Clause
after
as long as
as
before
since
though
unless
if
because
whereas
provided that
so that / although
until
even though
rather than
when
whenever
where
wherever
as if
as though whether
while / Relative pronouns:
that
which
who
whom
whose
Whoever
whomever

d Method 1

Independent clause no punctuation

Example: We found a good place to sit since we arrived early.

Example: I can’t believe that he gave this excuse!

d Method 2

Subordinating Conjunction
(or Relative Pronoun) + Dependent Clause
after
as long as
as
before
since
though
unless
if
because
whereas
provided that
so that / although
until
even though
rather than
when
whenever
where
wherever
as if
as though whether
while / Relative pronouns:
that
which
who
whom
whose
Whoever
whomever
comma
,

Independent clause

Example: Since we arrived early today, we found a good place to sit.

Example: That he gave this excuse is unbelievable! (very short sentence – no comma)

D. Compound-Complex

Rather than joining two simple sentences together, a coordinating conjunction sometimes joins two complex sentences, or one simple sentence and one complex sentence. In this case, the sentence is called a compound-complex sentence.

Example:

The package arrived in the morning, butthe courier left before I could check the contents.

(independent clause) (coordinator) (independent clause) (subordinator) (dependent clause)

Effective Writing

Rule 1.Use concrete rather than vague language.

Examples:

Vague: The weather was of an extreme nature on the northern part of the island.

Concrete: Philippines had very hot weather last week.

Rule 2.Use active voice whenever possible. Active voice means the subject is performing the verb.

Examples:

Active: Jeremy hit the ball.

Passive: The ball was hit.

Notice that the responsible party may not even appear when using passive voice.

Rule 3.Avoid overusing there is, there are, it is, it was, and so on.

Example: There is a case of meningitis that was reported in the newspaper.

Correction: A case of meningitis was reported in the newspaper.

Even Better: The newspaper reported a case of meningitis. (Active voice)

Example: It is important to signal before making a left turn.

Correction: Signaling before making a left turn is important.OR

You should signal before making a left turn. (Active voice)

Example: There are some revisions which must be made.

Correction: Some revisions must be made.

Even Better: Please make some revisions. (Active voice)

Rule 4.To avoid confusion, do not use two negatives to make a positive.

Incorrect: He is not unwilling to help.

Correct: He is willing to help.

Rule 5.Use similar grammatical form when offering several ideas. This is called parallel construction.

Correct: You should check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Incorrect: You should check your spelling, grammar, and punctuating.

Rule 6.If you start a sentence with an action, place the actor immediately after or you will have created the infamous dangling modifier.

Incorrect: While walking across the street, the bus hit her.

Correct: While walking across the street, she was hit by a bus.OR

She was hit by a bus while walking across the street.

Rule 7.Place modifiers near the words they modify.

Incorrect: I have some pound cake Jeremy baked in my lunch bag.

Correct: In my lunch bag, I have some pound cake that Jeremybaked.

Rule 8.A sentence fragment occurs when you have only a phrase or weak clause but are missing a strong clause.

Example of Sentence Fragment: After the show ended.

Example of Sentence: After the show ended, we had coffee.

Complete Sentences, Fragments, and Run-on Sentences

1. A complete sentence tells a complete thought and has both a subject and a predicate.

Example: A good boss is an inspiration.

2. A fragment is a group of words that lacks a subject and a predicate.

Example: The wind inside a tornado.

A. A subject is missing.
Disappeared into cyberspace.
B. A verb is missing.
Something strange on my disk.
C. A helping verb is missing.
My friends saying that I couldn’t lose it.
D. Both a subject and a verb are missing.
Somewhere on the hard drive.
E. A subordinate clause is treated as if it were a sentence.
Because I spent two hours on my homework. / Add a subject.
My homework disappeared into cyberspace.
Add a verb.
Something strange is on my disk.
Add a helping verb.
My friends were saying that I couldn’t lose it.
Add a subject and a verb to make an independent clause.
I’ll probably find it somewhere on the hard drive.
Combine the fragment with an independent clause.
I’m frustrated because I spent two hours on my homework.

3. A run-on sentence is two or more complete sentences that run together.

Example: A tornado can be called a twister it is also called a cyclone.

4. A comma splice is a comma that joins two independent clauses. A clause is a group of words that have a subject and a predicate.

Example: Robert ate worms, Mary dislikes Robert.

Correcting run-on sentences:

There are 3 ways to correct a run-on sentence.

1. Add a period and capitalize the next word.

2. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

3. When sentences are related to each other, add a semicolon.

Punctuation

The Period

The two major uses of the period are to mark the end of a sentence and to indicate an abbreviation. When you proofread your work for sentence completeness, be sure to mark the end of each sentence with a period:

Lorna has gone on vacation.

I will miss her help while she is gone.

Indirect questions should also be ended with a period:

Before she left, she asked me if I would send her an e-mail.

I asked her if she would send me an e-mail.

Other types of sentences that should be ended with a period are commands:

Please type this letter for me.

Answer the phone.

If you restrict your use of periods to the situations just explained, you will not run into trouble. However, there are

specific occasions when a period should NOT be used although you may be tempted:

DO NOT use a period after a heading or a title.

Chapter One: Recognizing Verbs and Subjects

DO NOT use a period after a sentence ending in a punctuated abbreviation.

Our guest speaker this evening is Marcus More, Ph.D

Ellipsis Marks

Use ellipsis marks when omitting a word, phrase, line, paragraph, or more from a quoted passage.

Note: To create ellipsis marks with a PC, type the period three times and the spacing will

be automatically set, or press Ctrl-Alt and the period once.

Use no more than three marks whether the omission occurs in the middle of a sentence or between sentences.

Example: Original sentence: The regulation states, ‘‘All agencies must document overtime or risk losing federal funds.’’

Rewritten using ellipses: The regulation states, ‘‘All agencies must document overtime. . .’’

The Exclamation Point

An exclamation point, instead of a period, is used at the end of a sentence in order to indicate emphasis or strong emotion:

Stop interrupting me!

Unauthorized personnel are not to be admitted!

In addition, an exclamation point should be used after an interjection, a word or phrase inserted into a sentence toindicate emphasis or surprise:

Boy! Was I angry.

Stop! Do not read any further.

The Question Mark

The question mark is used after direct questions:

Will my order be ready by Tuesday?

Have you checked your records?

Similarly, when a question is being directly quoted, the sentence may contain a question mark:

"Do you mind if I smoke?" asked the interviewer.

He then asked, "How old are you?"

Note: Question marks and exclamation points should never be followed by aperiod or comma.

The Semicolon

Rule 1. Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.

Examples: Call me tomorrow; I will give you my answer then.

I have paid my dues; therefore, I expect all the privileges listed in the contract.

Rule 2. It is preferable to use the semicolon before introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is,

i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a complete sentence. It is also preferable to use a comma after the introductory word.

Examples: You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example,sleeping bags, pans, and warm

clothing will make the trip better.

As we discussed, you will bring two items; i.e., a sleeping bag and a tent are not optional.

Rule 3. Use either a semicolon or a comma before introductory words such as namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., or for instance when they introduce a list following a complete sentence. Use a comma after the introductory word.

Example: You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

OR

Example: You will want to bring many backpacking items, for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.

Rule 4. Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.

Example: This conference has people who have come from Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Palo, Leyte; and Palompon, Leyte.

Rule 5.Use the semicolon between two sentences that are joined by a conjunction but already have one or more commas within the first sentence.

Examples: When I finish here, I will be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.

If she can, she will attempt that feat; and if her husband is able, he will be there to see her.

The Colon

Colons are used after formal introductory statements. They alert the reader to what follows. Some of the main uses of colons follow.

Use a colon before a formal list:

When evaluating a credit application, consider the following: credit history, employment history, and current assets.

Use a colon before a formal quotation:

A letter refusing credit should be positive: you hope to continue business on a cash basis.

Use a colon before a quotation:

Secretary's World reports: ''Secretaries are members of the fastest-growing occupational group (annual average job openings are now 300,000 and expected to expand to 325,000)."

Colons are also used in these situations:

After the salutation in a business letter

Dear Sir:

Gentlemen:

Between a title and a subtitle

Word Processing: An Introduction

Between the hour and minute of a time reference

9:10 A.M.

11:15 P.M.

The Comma

Commas are used to indicate a pause. Their use is determined by sentence structure and meaning

Note: Be careful not to use a comma when a coordinator is connecting twoverbs.

Sam speaks and listens.

Basically, the rule is this: A SUBJECT SHOULD NEVER BE SEPARATEDFROM ITS VERB WITH A SINGLE COMMA.

Two of our basic sentence patterns require commas:

Sam speaks and Willy listens.

The second basic sentence pattern looked like this:

When Sam speaks, Willy listens.

Remember: When the subordinator is in the middle, there is usually no comma.

Sam speaks as Willy listens.

A comma may also be used after an introductory expression, such as a word of:

Indeed, Sam likes to dominate a conversation.

Nevertheless, Willy doesn't understand much of what he says.

Introductory phrases fall into this category, too.

In general, Sam makes little sense.

Trying to sound important, he tends to make a fool of himself.

A third use of commas is to separate items in a series or list.

Latasha has studied marketing, salesmanship, and advertising.

Your report must be either in the files, on my desk, or among my other mail.

To look your best, feel your best, and be your best require a personal program of sound diet and strenuousexercise.

Note that a comma precedes the coordinator at the end of the list. However, commas should NOT be used if acoordinator appears before each item:

I am tired and hungry and annoyed.

A special case arises when adjectives are listed before a noun:

All-City Video employs courteous, knowledgeable, helpful sales-people.

They offer the lowest retail prices in town.

A comma is needed when it would sound all right to insert and between the adjectives (as in the first example). But ifand cannot be inserted, then do NOT use a comma (as in the second example).

More rules:

• Use a comma to separate two adjectives when the word and can be inserted between them.

Examples: He is a strong, healthy man.

We stayed at an expensive summer resort. You would not

sayexpensive and summer resort, so no comma.

• Use a comma when an -lyadjective is used with other adjectives.

Note: To test whether an -lyword is an adjective, see if it can be used alone with the noun.

If it can, use the comma.

Examples: Felix was a lonely, young boy.

I get headaches in brightly lit rooms. Brightly is not an adjective because it cannot be used alone with rooms; therefore, no comma is used between brightly and lit.

• Use commas before or surrounding the name or title of a person directly addressed.

Examples: Will you, Aisha, do that assignment for me? Yes, Doctor, I will.

Note: Capitalize a title when directly addressing someone.

• Use a comma to separate the day of the month from the year and after the year.

Example: Dianne met her husband on December 7, 2004, in Cebu.

• If any part of the date is omitted, leave out the comma.

Example: They met in December 2004 in Cebu.

• Use commas to surround degrees or titles used with names.

Commas are no longer required around Jr. and Sr. Commas never set off II, III, and so forth.

Example: Al Mooney, M.D., knew Sam Sunny Jr. and Charles Starr III.

• Use commas to set off expressions that interrupt the flow of the

sentence.

Example: I am, as you have probably noticed, very nervous about this.

• When starting a sentence with a weak clause, use a comma after it. Conversely, do not use a comma when the sentence starts with a strong clause followed by a weak clause.

Examples: If you are not sure about this, let me know now.

Let me know now if you are not sure about this.

• Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. If the phrase has fewer than three words, the comma is optional.

Examples: To apply for this job, you must have previous experience.

On February 14 many couples give each other candy orflowers. OR

On February 14, many couples give each other candy or flowers.

• If something or someone is sufficiently identified, the description following it is considered nonessential and should be surrounded by commas.

Examples: Tommy, who has a limp, was in an auto accident. Tommy is named, so the description is not essential.

The boy who has a limp was in an auto accident. We do not know which boy is being referred to without further description; therefore, no commas are used.

• Use a comma to separate two strong clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction—and, or, but, for, nor. You can omit the comma if the clauses are both short.

Examples: I have painted the entire house, but he is still working on sanding the doors.