Grammar: Week 2 (Sentences)

WEEK 2

    A simple sentence contains one subject and one predicate. It expresses one main idea. Parts of the sentence, however, may be compound.

            The line is busy now.

    A compound sentence is made up of two simple sentences that express related ideas. These sentences are connected by a semicolon or by a comma and a coordinating conjunction. A semicolon that connects two simple sentences may be followed by a conjunctive adverb.

            The line is busy now, but I will try again later.

    A complex sentence contains one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. The subordinate clauses may be used as adverbs, adjectives, or nouns. A complex sentence expresses one main idea and one or more dependent ideas.

            Although the line is busy now, I will try again later.

    A compound-complex sentence contains two main clauses and one or more subordinate clauses. The subordinate clauses may be adverb, adjective, or noun clauses. A compound-complex sentence expresses two main ideas, as well as one dependent idea.

            The line is busy, but I will try again when I finish this.

    Identifying the Kinds of Sentences. For each sentence, write Simple, Compound, Complex, or Compound-Complex to show what kind it is.

            1. These jogging shoes are canvas and suede. __________________________________

            2. Can you fix the bell, or should I call the electrician? ___________________________

            3. We picked the apples ourselves and baked a pie. ______________________________

            4. The reporter asked if she could arrange an interview. ___________________________

            5. People spend one third of their lives asleep. __________________________________

            6. The mysterious burglary, which baffled the police for years, has finally been solved,      and justice will now be served. ______________________________________________

            7. The union met with its members, and they accepted the contract.__________________

            8. The recue worker explained what the situation was. ____________________________

            9. After the audience gave him an ovation. Lionel Ritchie sang two encores and then he    left the stage. ____________________________________________________________

            10. As she presented the awards, the principal congratulated us. ____________________

    A compound-complex sentence consists of two or more main clauses and one or more subordinate clauses. It may help you to think of a compound-complex sentence as a compound sentence plus a subordinate clause. Actually, the compound-complex sentences join two sentences, at least one of which has a subordinate clause. The main clauses are joined by either a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

Main Clause                           Subordinate Clause                           Main Clause

Gina Knew                              that she would have to wait,                but she didn’t mind

Main Clause                           Subordinate Clause                           Main Clause

Carl was surprised                   when he was chosen;                          he had never expected to win

    Analyzing Compound-Complex Sentences. Underline each main clause once and each subordinate clause twice.

            1. Pam knew where the park was, and she gave us directions.

            2. After our team won, we decided to celebrate, so we led a parade through town.

            3. When the committee met, witnesses testified about poor living conditions, and experts                          suggested improvements.

            4. Sharon has been studying piano since she was six years old, and she enjoys it.

            5. Greg said that we should start without him, but we waited anyway.

            6. The radio that you like is on sale, but it is still expensive.

            7. The bookstore ordered the items that Tim requested, and he is waiting for them.

            8. The mayor outlined his plane, which was very complicated, and then reporters asked                             questions about it.

            9. The sale items were so popular that they were gone in an hour, and the manager agreed                         to order more.

            10. Scientists have identified the agents that cause the disease, but they haven’t found a                           cure for it.

            11. The actor was nervous before he auditioned; he felt that he did well, though.

            13. Vanessa’s sister is a computer programmer; she translates information into symbols                              that the computer reads. 

            14. Since the rain stopped, the game can be resumed; our team is ahead.

            15. High blood pressure is a serious condition that affects many people, and it should be                           treated by a qualified physician.