In a complex sentence, the independent clause shares the main information, and the dependent clauses provide details. Based on the sentence structure, we classify sentences into 3 broad categories. This page has more examples of complex sentences, a video explanation, and an interactive exercise. Writing compound sentences compound sentences are formed by connecting two complete sentences independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Remember, there may be many ways to combine each of these sentences. Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, colonel aurelian buendia was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.
A complex sentence has an independent clause and a dependent clause. The big, hairy dog with sharp teeth barked at the mailman. A complex sentence can be created by adding an incomplete thought to a complete thought. Sentence types and functions san jose state university. Complex sentences definition and examples examples. Dogs, the earth and, harsha are used as the subjects in these sentences. I burned dinner, but i didnt burn the cake, is an example of a compound sentence. If its true, its true is an example of a complex sentence. I will be using this to work on syntax, and as we go through each type of sentence, students will be able to write their own examples. A compound sentence is made of two simple sentences joined by a conjunction. In this unit, we will discuss simple compound and complex sentences in english grammar. It expresses a single complete thought that can stand on its own. A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
Simple compound and complex sentences english summary. Writing a complex sentence is easy if you have a basic understanding of conjunctions and. When you put the two together, you have a complex sentence. On a separate sheet of paper, rewrite the following sentences into one smooth sentence. The complex sentence a complex sentence combines a dependent clause with an independent clause. Note that the word while has been added to the first example for clarity. A dependent clause cannot stand alone, even though it has a subject and a verb. We have tonnes of quizzes on the compound and complex sentences, so you can check them out as well. The compoundcomplex sentence combines elements of compound and complex sentences. Simple, compound and complex sentences sentences are of three kinds according to their structure. Complex sentences independent clauses an independent clause, or sentence, is a group of words with a subject and verb. Here is one way to write a better complex sentence. A dependent clause depends on the rest of the sentence to make sense.
Lets break down a couple complex sentence examples into its parts. Though jack prefers watching comedy films, he rented the latest spy thriller, and he enjoyed it very much. But for now, take this quiz and help yourself into perfect sentence construction. A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences independent clauses. A complex sentence is composed of two simple sentences, each with a subject and verb, one of which has a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun. Melissa purchased some groceries while she was in town. In these examples, the dependent, or subordinate, clause is underlined. In each of the examples above, the dependent clause is italicized, the independent clauses are underlined. Apart from everyday speech, complex sentences also play a role in literature.
After they watched the game, they walked back home. The linking word subordinate conjunction makes the clause following it less important than the other clause. Lets start with an independent clause, one that can stand alone. This lesson plan explains important facts about complex sentences through an informative video lesson. The result will be a stylish sentence because of its stingy use of words. I burned our meal for dinner but i did not burn the cake. Oct 29, 2018 in a complex sentence, the independent clause shares the main information, and the dependent clauses provide details. Compound sentences contain two independent clauses thats all there is to it.
Complex sentences sentence combining four types of sentences. A complex sentence is made up of a simple sentence, or one independent clause, and at least one dependent clause. Understanding how to construct the compoundcomplex sentence will help you take your writing to a new level of complexity. Students are able to pick out the clauses elegantly represented by blah blah blah in the example above, but they have trouble figuring out whether the sentence is compound or complex. None of the examples just given were particularly exotic, and they could all easily have occurred in conversational speech. Because the soup was too cold, i warmed it in the microwave. In the above sentence the relative pronoun who clarifies a specific noun.
By using these materials, students will be given many opportunities to practice identifying each type of sentence and write each type of sentence. What is a complex sentence and how do we go about writing one. Here are a few examples of wellcrafted complex sentences in writing. Showing opposition or unexpected results use these three subordinating conjunctions to show that there is a pro and con or to contrast statements. How to make complex sentences using aaawwubbis words. Just a simple worksheet that students can use to write down examples of their own simple, compound, and complex sentences. A dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thoughtthe meaning depends on the rest of the sentence that it is attached to. Compound complex sentences a compound complex sentence contains two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Simple, compound, complex, and compoundcomplex simple sentences a simple sentence contains a subject and a verb. It is one of the four main types of sentence structures. A complex sentence is a sentence with an independent clause and a dependent clause. Simple, compound and complex sentences keywords simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, worksheets, grammar, english, grade 3. A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses a complex sentence consists of one main clause and one or more dependent clauses study the example given below. Pdf complex sentences in english legislative texts.
They are used with a comma unless the clauses are brief. Compoundcomplex sentences a compoundcomplex sentence contains two independent clauses and at least a single. Focus structure in complex sentences will also be discussed in this chapter. There is a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought. Complex sentences are written by using subordinating conjunctions to connect the two clauses. Below given are some more examples of complex sentences with relative clauses clarifying a specific noun with help of relative pronouns. They dont know enough about the word doing the connecting. Writing compound complex sentences in your essay or article lets you express more complicated ideas with clarity. Five examples of a compoundcomplex sentence pen and the pad. It is the most sophisticated type of sentence you can use.
Transform the following compound sentences into complex sentences. A compoundcomplex sentence is just thata combination of a compound sentence and complex sentence. Theyre indepth sentences that contain two clauses a dependent clause and an independent clause. In order to understand complex sentences, its helpful to first look at simple and compound. Complex sentences are friends and neighbors to compound sentences. A complex sentence has one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. A simple sentence only has a subject and a complete predicate. Becoming aware of the four general types of sentences simple, compound, complex, and compound complex can help you vary the sentences in your writing.
All were, in a technical sense, complex sentences, because they contained subordinate clauses. The predicate part of the sentences begins with the verb. Understanding complex sentences and knowing how to write them is crucial for ielts. Fossils, as you may know, are the remains of plants. The 4 english sentence types simple, compound, complex, compoundcomplex duration. A complex sentence is made of a simple sentence and a dependent, or subordinate, clause has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Though blake is strong, he could not lift this box. Jamie choose his favorite seat because he was first. Eating the foccacia, brian tasted a hint of fennel.
The most effective writing uses a variety of the sentence types explained below. Simple, compound, and complex notes a common weakness in writing is the lack of varied sentences. These complex sentences worksheets are free to download in pdf format. Jan 11, 2019 none of the examples just given were particularly exotic, and they could all easily have occurred in conversational speech. The first worksheet asks students to identify the sentence type and to write their own types of sentences. Complex sentences contain an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Enjoy these complex sentence examples for further clarification. The compound complex sentence the compound complex sentence combines elements of compound and complex sentences. A dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thoughtthe meaning depends on the rest of the sentence. Jan 12, 2014 a complex sentence consists of one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses joined together with the help of subordinating conjunction s. Complex sentences is an inseparable part of wellstructured paper complex sentence. When the dependent clause is placed before the independent clause, the two clauses are divided by a comma. A simple sentence is one which has only one subject and one predicate or a simple sentence is one which has only one finite verb. Again, as in some compound sentences, the two sentences are connected with a joining word.
These worksheets are perfect for simple, compound, and complex sentence practice or assessment. Complex writing is one of the best ways to engage readers with compelling sentences that accurately convey a desired message. A dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but it begins with a subordinating word, such as because, if, when, whoever, etc. A complex sentence is one with an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The sentences may also be combined with a semicolon.
The examiner will not award you above a band 5 for grammatical range and accuracy if you cannot write them or if you have a very limited ability to write. The first example is a classic case of coordination, with each clause occurring in. Complex sentences sentence combining four types of. A prepositional phrase answers one of many questions. Welcome to yet another great set of pdf worksheets on simple, compound, complex and compoundcomplex sentences, where we explain sentence types based on structure or the number of clauses. That word is the key to the difference between compound and complex sentences. Whether its elucidating the components of each sentence type, explicating them with a host of examples, or testing childrens learning progress with. You will need to make compound or complex sentences. In the examples below, independent clauses are orange and dependent clauses are green. In a sentence like 2, for example, the verb surprises can. Becoming aware of the four general types of sentencessimple, compound, complex, and compoundcomplexcan help you vary the sentences in your writing. Pdf clause processing in complex sentences researchgate. Definitions and examples of basic sentence elements. In other words, it is a compound sentence with a dependent, or subordinate clause.
This is the most sophisticated type of sentence you can use. Complex sentence definition, structure, rules, examples and. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. See how a compound complex sentence comes together. Understanding how to construct the compound complex sentence will help you take your writing to a new level of complexity. This bundle contains multiple resources for teaching students about simple sentences, compound sentences, and complex sentences. Complex sentences let us share lots of information with just one sentence. However, if you identify a fragment that is a phrase, you can always combine it with an independent clause to make a complete sentence. A complex sentence consists of one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses joined together with the help of subordinating conjunctions two clauses connected by relative pronouns or relative adverbs are also examples of complex sentences. Two clauses connected by relative pronouns or relative adverbs are also examples of complex sentences.
Compound and complex sentences worksheets teachers pay teachers. Coordinate conjunctions join two words, phrases or clauses that are equally important. Get the answers plus the questions on this handy pdf. Compound complex sentences are made up of two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Complex sentences can be useful for presenting ideas that need layers of information and details. Its grammar time again as you test yourself on the basics. Compound sentences can be divided to make two simple sentences by removing the conjunction. An independent clause has the ability to stand alone as a sentence. Writing a complex sentence is easy if you have a basic understanding of conjunctions and relative pronouns. Jan 24, 2019 complex sentences are written by using subordinating conjunctions to connect the two clauses. Complex sentences a complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses. Compound and complex sentences worksheets teachers pay. Complex sentence definition, structure, rules, examples.
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