PUNCTUATION PATTERNS:
Punctuating compound and
complex sentences
Sentence = Clause
A sentence, or clause, contains
a SUBJECT and a VERB.
Compound Sentences
Punctuation Patterns 1, 2, & 3
Coordinating Conjunctions
(fanboys):
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
Punctuation Pattern #1
Independent Clause (sentence) ,
+ (fanboys)
Independent Clause (sentence).
= Compound Sentence
Two Independent Clauses
(sentences).
U
of A hired Nick Saban to
coach football.
 He
will lead the team to win a
national championship.
Punctuation Pattern #2
Independent Clause (sentence) ;
+
Independent Clause (sentence).
= Compound Sentence
Two Independent Clauses
(sentences).
U
of A hired Nick Saban to
coach football.
 He
will lead the team to win a
national championship.
Punctuation Pattern #3
Independent Clause (sentence) ;
+ (conjunctive adverb) ,
Independent Clause (sentence).
= Compound Sentence
Conjunctive adverbs…
Show a relationship between
two clauses (sentences).
Conjunctive Adverbs
nonetheles
s
otherwise
similarly
subsequent
ly
thereafter
therefore
thus
undoubtedl
accordingly
consequent
ly
contrarily
furthermore
elsewhere
hence
henceforth
however
in contrast
incidentally
indeed
likewise
meanwhile
moreover
namely
nevertheles
s
Two Independent Clauses
(sentences).
U
of A hired Nick Saban to
coach football.
 He
will lead the team to win a
national championship.
Complex Sentences
Punctuation Patterns 4 & 5
Independent clause (sentence): expresses
a complete thought – all right by itself
Dependent clause (subordinating
conjunction + sentence): an incomplete
thought – can’t stand alone
What makes a clause/sentence
dependent?
. . . A subordinating conjunction
A subordinating conjunction
strongly influences the meaning
of a sentence.
Subordinating Conjunctions:
while
because
though
since
when
where
if
whether
before
until
as
as if
so that
whenever
wherever
in order that
although
Punctuation Pattern #4
Independent Clause (sentence)
+
Dependent Clause (sentence).
= Complex Sentence
Apply PP#4 to the following
independent clauses (sentences):
U
of A hired Nick Saban to
coach football.
 He
will lead the team to win a
national championship.
Punctuation Pattern #5
Dependent Clause (sentence) ,
+
Independent Clause (sentence).
= Complex Sentence
Apply PP#5 to the following
independent clauses (sentences):
U
of A hired Nick Saban to
coach football.
 He
will lead the team to win a
national championship.