Sentence Types
A simple sentence expresses one complete thought, and contains a subject (the noun that the sentence is about) and a predicate (what the subject is or is doing).
Example: Patricia (subject) walks down the hallway (predicate).
A compound sentence expresses two or more complete thoughts (independent clauses). Compound sentences are joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) or a semicolon.
Example: The bell rings, and the class begins.
The bell rings; the class begins.
A complex sentence expresses one complete thought (independent clause) and one or more clauses that do not express a complete thought (dependent – or subordinate – clause). Complex sentences contain a subordinating conjunction (word or phrase that joins two clauses and makes one less important than the other).
A complex sentence may have an introductory dependent clause that comes before the main clause, is separated by a comma, and begins with a subordinating conjunction (example 1). It may have a dependent clause that comes after the main clause, and is joined by a subordinating conjunction (example 2). It may have both (example 3).
Example 1: Before the class had begun, Joey sharpened his pencil.
Example 2: Joey sharpened his pencil before class had begun.
Example 3: Before class had begun, Joey sharpened his pencil so he would be prepared.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
after / before / in that / than / wherealthough / even though / now that / that / whereas
as / except that / once / though / which
as if / how / provided that / unless / while
as long as / if / since / until / who
as though / in case / so / when
because / in order that / so that / whenever
A compound-complex sentence is a combination of compound and complex sentences, containing two or more independent clauses, and one or more dependent clauses.
Example: Patricia walks down the hall in order to make it to class on time, and she runs into Joey who is sharpening his pencil.
Sentence Structure as Family Units
Simple / Compound / Complex / Compound-Complex1 IC / 2 IC / 1 IC + 1 (or more) DC / 2 IC + 1 (or more) DC
The family unit is a single adult. / The family unit is a couple. / The family unit is a single adult with one or more children. / The family unit is a couple with one or more children.
The Sentence Poem
This is different from most poems you have read. It is called the Sentence Poem because it is all sentences arranged in a specific format. An example, entitled “Reading,” is given to you. There are seven distinct lines. On a separate sheet of paper, write your own Sentence Poem about any topic you like (keep it school appropriate).
The format is as follows:
Line 1 – simple sentence
Line 2 – compound sentence
Line 3 – complex sentence
Line 4 – interrogative sentence
Line 5 – complex sentence
Line 6 – compound sentence
Line 7 – simple sentence
“Reading”
Reading is a worthwhile activity.
It teaches you new facts, and it can take you away from your problems for a while.
A book that you find interesting will open new worlds for you.
What else can reading do?
As Emily Dickinson said, “There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away…”
Most people like to read, and you will, too.
Reading is good for you.
Subordinate Clause Poem
1. You must write two stanzas of five lines each.
2. The first four lines of each stanza must begin with a word from the list of subordinators and cannot be a complete sentence.
3. The last line of the stanza cannot begin with a subordinator and must be a complete sentence.
4. The first four lines are punctuated with a comma, and the last line is punctuated with a period.
Sentence Order: Subordinator - Subject – Verb
“Mornings”
Whenever I get up,
after the alarm clock has gone off,
before the sun comes up,
as I stumble to the shower,
I slowly get ready for my day of school.
When I arrive at school,
as I am talking to my friends,
before classes begin,
while I do my work,
I long to be back in my cozy bed.