Classifying Sentences According to Structure

Complex, Compound-Complex Sentences

Complex Sentences

• A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one subordinate (dependent) clause. A subordinate (dependent) clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

#1

• Whenever you want (to play ball), tell me. • Yes- Complex

#4

• You will get better if you just keep trying.• Yes –Complex.

#7

• When you compete, good attitudes count, too.

• Complex

#8

• Some coaches are naturals; however, they must practice a great deal.

• NO!! COMPOUND!!!!!!!

# 9

• Coaches like working with athletes who show courage.

• Complex

10.

• They also welcome team players, who they know are assets.

• Yes. Complex.

12.

• They can concentrate too much on themselves; moreover, they can become conceited about their own publicity.

• No. Not complex.

17.

• Athletics can teach much about life in general.

Compound –Complex Sentences

• A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

Example:

• Chess, which is a game of wit and skill, can be rewarding, but it can also be discouraging.

#7

• He created stories that outlined the abuses (of child labor) (in graphic detail), but he was unable to abolish all of the abuses; despite the skill of his pen.

1.

• Whenever you want to play ball, (you)tell me. Dependent Clause Ind.

2.

• If you want to succeed in athletics, keep in shape.

• Complex

9.

• Coaches like working with athletes who show courage.

20.

• Some athletes retire at a young age because their injuries prevent them from playing.

• Yes. Complex.

Compound / Complex 5.

• The new laws that were passed forced employers to consider some of the children’s needs, but the laws left much to be desired.

• YES. Compound / Complex.

4.

• Eventually, public outrage protected these children.

• Simple : No.

7.

• He created stories that outlined the abuses of child labor in graphic detail, but he was unable to abolish all of the abuses, despite the skill ( of his pen).

• Compound , complex

9.

• When English citizens read Oliver Twist, for example, they began thinking about child labor laws, and some of them insisted on reform.

• Yes.

Classifying Examples:

• 1. When the sun came out, swimmers quickly returned to the water.

• Complex.

2.

• Give John another chance at tennis. • Simple.

10.

• Far from the crowded theater stood the playwright –independent.

• The playwright who had written the successful musical. -dependent.

• Complex.

15.

• I remember the singing (of the birds), the smell (of pine trees), the rustle (of the soft breezes).