Combining SentencesWhat are compound sentences? What are complex sentences? What is a comma splice? What

is a run-on sentence?Pay attention so that we can

correct some common mistakes I am seeing in your

writing!

REVIEW: Compound and Complex Sentences

Compound sentence: TWO independent clauses (sentences) that are joined with a comma and a conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon.

Complex sentence: A sentence with an independent clause (sentence) and a dependent clause (not a sentence- it “depends” on the other part- the sentence.

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Sentence Structure:Dependent Clause in complex sentences

A dependent clause contains a subject and verb, but the clause cannot stand independently.

Dependent clauses can often be identified by the use of dependent clause markers- like transition words.

Some dependent clause markers:

because

since

when

while

until

if

as

though

although

unless

after

before

once

whether

hough

although

unless

after

before

once

whether

because

since

when

while

until

if

as

though

although

unless

after

before

once

whether

Some dependent clause markers (or transition words)

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Lab

Sentence Structure:Dependent Phrases and Clauses Dependent phrases and clauses help to clarify and add detail to an independent clause.

Dependent clauses may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

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Introductory clause=dependent clause located at the beginning of a sentence

When a dependent clause is placed at the beginning of a sentence, place a comma between the independent clause and the dependent clause.

When Elizabeth called 911, the firemen rushed to her rescue.When Elizabeth called 911, the firemen rushed to her rescue.

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Lab

Introductory Clause

Where would you place the comma in the following examples?

After the movie ended we went out for coffee.

Since it was raining we decided to go to the movies.

Once the movie began I fell asleep.

Since it was raining, we decided to go to the movies. DCM S V

S V

Once the movie began, I fell asleep.DCM S V S V

After the movie ended, we went out for coffee.DCM S V S V

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Dependent ClausesWhen a dependent clause is

located after an independent clause,

DO NOT place a comma between the two.

I went on the roller coaster because my brother dared me.

S V DCM S V

I became very sick when the S V DCMroller coaster zoomed upside down. S V

You guys are using run-on sentences and comma splices in your writing! How can they be corrected?Let’s review several ways:Run-On Sentence

More iron became available people used it to make tools.

Place a period or other end punctuation between the two independent clauses.

More iron became available. People used it to make tools.

(simple sentences)

Comma SpliceMore iron became available, people used it to make tools.

Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

More iron became available, and people used it to make tools.

(compound sentence)

Run-On SentenceMore iron became available people used it to make tools.

Place a semicolon between the independent clauses.

More iron became available; people used it to make tools.

(compound sentence)

Run-On SentenceMore iron became available people used it to make tools.

Add a subordinating conjunction to make one of the clauses dependent.

As more iron became available, people used it to make tools.

(complex sentence)

Remember:

You can turn run-on sentences or comma splices into two separate sentences. You can also place a connecting word and appropriate punctuation between the clauses.

1.

In the 1860’s, there was rising tension between the northern states and the southern states some wanted slavery and some did not want slavery.

How can you fix this sentence?

Answer:

In the 1860’s, there was rising tension between the northern states and the southern states; some wanted slavery and some did not want slavery.

2.

By 1861, people had had enough they were ready to go to war.

How can you fix this sentence?

Answer:

By 1861, people had had enough, and they were ready to go to war.

3.

John Brown wanted the slaves to use the weapons and defend themselves against their masters, none of the slaves participated in the revolt.

How can this sentence be fixed?

Answer:

John Brown wanted the slaves to use the weapons and defend themselves against their masters, but none of the slaves participated in the revolt.

4.

Margaret Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin tension between the north and south grew even more.

How can this be fixed?

Answer

Margaret Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin which caused tension between the north and south to grow even more.

Another complex sentence can fix this…Because Margaret Beecher Stowe wrote

Uncle Tom’s Cabin, tension between the north and south grew even more.

How can you change these sentences to combine them using compound sentences?

Combining Sentences

Partner Talk: Discuss the different ways you can combine sentences so that your sentences aren’t short and choppy nor long and running on?