Sentences Types & Errors

2/8/13

Simple SentencesDefinition: A simple sentence contains only one independent clause.

HELPFUL HINTA simple sentence may contain 2 or more subjects and verbs, but these compound subjects or verbs will not be separated in the sentence.

Simple SentencesExamples:

◦Central impressed the new students.◦Bradford and Suh were the top two

NFL draft picks in 2009.◦The students completed their essays

and turned them into the teacher on time.

◦Sharon and Randy danced and sang at their wedding.

Compound SentencesDefinition: A compound

sentence contains 2 independent clauses joined by either a coordinate or a correlative conjunction (or a semi-colon in its place).

Conjunctions

Compound SentencesGodfrey played valiantly in the

game, but he was unable to lead the Buttons to victory.

The student completed his essay; he did not, however, turn it in to the teacher on time.

Either you will study all your notes or you will fail the final exam.

Complex Definition: A complex sentence

contains 1 independent clause plus 1 or more dependent clauses that are begun by a relative pronoun, relative adverb, or a subordinate conjunction.

The More You Know…Relative Pronouns:

◦who(m), whose, which, thatRelative Adverbs:

◦Murder Mystery words + everSubordinating Conjunctions

◦after, although, as, because, before, if, since, that, though, unless, until, when, whether, while

Complex SentencesWhat questions are on the final

exam that will be discussed during the review session?

Lance Armstrong, who trains diligently, is an excellent bicycler.

Although Albert Pujols loved St. Louis, ownership did not pay him enough money so that he would not leave the team.

HELPFUL HINTWhen you see any of the 30 key

words previously discussed (relative pronouns, relative adverbs, subordinate conjunctions), you will know that the sentences in which they are placed can never be simple or compound.

Compound-Complex Definition: A compound-complex

sentence contains 2 independent clauses plus 1 or more dependent clauses that are begun by a relative pronoun, relative adverb, or a subordinate conjunction.

Compound-Complex Sentences

Because the pass was dropped, Missouri had to punt; nonetheless, the Tigers still won the game 35-14.

The Office, which airs on NBC, is a terrific show; furthermore, it appeals to audiences of all ages.

Try ThisAre the following sentences simple,

compound, complex or compound- complex?◦The boy waited until his parents had left to

call his girlfriend. ◦After we saw the movie, we went to Chick-

fil-A, but it was closed.◦Princess Lea is really Luke’s twin sister.◦The Honda Accord is a fine car, but it is not

so stylish as a Toyota Camry.◦Because the game lasted so long, we

missed the bus home.

E. Sentence Errors Fragment – often, merely a

dependent clause with no independent clause accompanying it.

Run–on – a compound sentence without the necessary coordinate or correlative conjunction (or a semi-colon).

Sentence ErrorsUnless the rain stops soon.The novel was very long, it was very

suspenseful.Since the first time I saw the film. Elvis was a great performer, he thrilled

audiences for over twenty years.

Lesson ReviewName the type of sentence or error below:

◦We visited a chapel that was built in 1777.◦Because the concert was postponed, we went

to a movie instead.◦The young girl prayed, and her brother was

cured.◦How the Egyptians built the pyramids is still a

mystery, although there are many theories offered by historians.

◦Although Yoda is diminutive.◦The receiver dropped the TD pass, he was

demoted to the second team.