Grammar Notes
Lesson # 2: Compound and Complex Sentences
Simple Sentences
A ____________________________________________ has one subject and one verb.
Example: I like to study grammar.  Subject? __________
Verb? ___________.
A simple sentence is also called an _____________________________________________.
An _____________________________ ends with a _____________________ or semicolon.
Example: I love you.  Subject? __________
Verb? ___________.
Compound Sentences
A _________________________________ is made up of two or more simple sentences
joined by one of the following:
A _______________________ and one of the FANBOYS
(AKA Coordinating Conjunctions)
Example: I like to study grammar, and I love this class.
Some
examples:
Therefore
however
nevertheless
consequently
furthermore
thus
A _________________________.
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
Example: I like to study grammar; I love this class.
A semicolon and a transitional
Example: I like to study grammar; therefore, I love this class.
And many
more…
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Compound Sentences
A __________________________________ is two independent clauses joined together
Independent Clause
Independent Clause
Example:
I love you ; therefore, you love me.
Comma Splice
The INCORRECT use of a _________________________ to join two independent clauses.
INCORRECT: I love you, you love me.
CORRECT: I love you, so you love me.
CORRECT: I love you; you love me.
Complex Sentence
A ___________________________________________ is a simple sentence (independent
clause) to which a part of a sentence (dependent clause) has been ______________.
The dependent clause needs the independent clause for __________________________!
Example: Because I like to study grammar, I love this class.
Example: I love this class because I like to study grammar.
Dependent Clause
Independent Clause
Because you love me , I love you.
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Dependent Clause
_______________________________________!!!
Example: Because You Love me
A dependent clause contains a subject and verb. It begins with a
___________________________________, and thus it does not express a completed thought.
A dependent clause is also called a subordinate clause.
Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone.
Common Subordinating (Dependent) Conjunctions
after
even if
although
even though
that
though
whereas
unless
wherever
whenever
until
whether
in order
when
which
in case
while
as
as if
now that
rather than
that
before
than
Practice
Label the following clauses as compound or complex.
1. I really love grammar, and I am not lying.
2. Since I ran 5 miles, I lost 1 pound.
____________________________________
__________________________________________
3. Although I go to Perry, my brother goes to Basha. _______________________________
4. I am going to the dance, and I have a date. _____________________________________
5. Henry loves to give hugs, but not to me. _______________________________________
6. Bobby was absent, and he missed the test. _____________________________________
7. Kayla is switching schools since she is moving. __________________________________
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8. Until I know how to swim, I won’t go surfing. ___________________________________
Grammar Writing Activity
 Write a paragraph explaining who your hero is and what characteristics he/she
possesses?
 Underline two complex sentences and circle two compound sentences. Be sure they are
punctuation correctly.
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