Sentence  Structure

Simple Sentences

• Simple sentences have just one clause. They may have additional phrases. Example I went to the park to eat a hamburger. Juan, Daniel, and Sandra, my best friend from middle school, went to the movie theater and watched Harry Potter.

Coordinating Conjunctions

• F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. For And Nor But Or Yet So

Compound Sentence

• Two or more clauses joined with a coordinating conjunction. Using commas between clauses is optional. Example I went home so I could get some sleep. Doug did his math work but he got some wrong, yet he didn’t mind.

Subordinating Conjunctions

• after
• although
• as
• because
• Before
• Even if
• Now that
• Once
• Since
• That
• Though
• Unless
• Until
• When
• Whenever
• Where
• Wherever
• While

Complex Sentences

• Two or more clauses joined with a subordinating conjunction. If you begin a sentence with a subordinating conjunction, there MUST be a comma after the first clause. Unless you want trouble, you should stop. You should stop because I’m getting mad.

Compound-Complex Sentences

• Has an independent clause and at least two dependent clauses, one of which is joined with a coordinating conjunction and one with a subordinating conjunction.
• Examples Because I paid attention, I got an A on the test and I was so happy. I went home because it was getting late, but I had to wait on the porch until my mom got home anyway.

Practice

• Read and analyze each sentence. Determine whether the sentence is simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. Write your answer.

1

• The weather has been nice but it may snow again any day.

2

• Ever since the big blowout, she and I haven’t gotten along.

3

• Dad brought candy because he felt bad.

4

• If you want to go on the trip, you should bring your signed permission slip and I’ll collect it before we go.

5

• I left before the fight started.

6

• Candy rots your teeth and TV makes you lazy, but I still like them.

7

• He will call your home unless you are passing.