Simple Sentences!

S

Standard

ELACC8L2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

a. Use punctuation (comma)

A simple sentence is made from 1 independent clause

• 1 Ind. Cl. + 0 Dep. Cl. =Simple Examples:Ex. The birds in the tree sang happily. Ex. Several squirrels played chase on the

telephone line.

A Dependent Clause by Itself is NOT a Simple Sentence. It is a Fragment

Examples1.Because it rained….2.Since it was warm outside…3.After we went on the picnic…

Simple Sentences Can be Interrogatives

Examples:1.Did we have any homework?2.Have you studied for the test?

Even though it’s a question, it’s still considered a sentence.

Myth: Simple sentences are short

TRUTH: They can be short:Birds chirp.They can be long:Andrea put her apple juice and her sandwich on

the second shelf in the mini refrigerator in the game room.

Myth: Simple Sentences cannot have commas.

Truth: There are all kinds of circumstances under which a simple sentence can have commas.

Ex. Spike, my pet dog, loves to fetch sticks. Ex. Soaring proudly, the eagle crossed the sky.

Simple Sentences Might Have Compound Parts

Compound subjects= more than one subject. A simple sentence may have lots of subjects. Examples:1. Billy and Sara made sandwiches. 2. The chicken, the dog, and the cow all chased

each other.

Compound Predicates

Compound Predicate=more than one verb

Examples1. Marsha went to the store and bought some

groceries for her mother. 2. Sam opened the fridge, took out the ice cream,

and made a sundae.

They can’t be divided, so they are still SIMPLE

Punctuation Rules…Simple sentences often need commas….. 1. when you have a list/items in a series.

Ex. I bought ice cream, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles!

Use Punctuation…

2. when you are listing compound predicates or other multiword elements (compound subjects, compound predicates, prep. phrases)

Ex. Henry took an axe, went into the forest, and chopped firewood.

Use Punctuation…

3. When you have an appositiveExamples1. Luke, my best friend, is on my baseball team. 2. Sarah, Amy’s sister, is going to shop with us.

Use Punctuation…

4. When you have an introductory element or introductory phrase(prep phrase, introductory words, participle, etc.)

Examples:1.The next morning, Sam got up early to study.2.In the evenings, I like to go on walks.

Use Punctuation…

5. When you need to separate adjectives

Ex. A clumsy, lumbering polar bear crossed the tundra.

HINT: Separate adjectives with commas if it would makes sense to put “and” between them.

Use Punctuation…

6. When you want to show contradiction

Ex. A dolphin is actually a mammal, not a fish.

Use Punctuation…7. To set off an interjection.

Ex. Hey, have you seen my tea glass?Ex. Wow! Look at that sunset!

Use Punctuation…

8. When you are using a direct address

Ex. Let’s go shopping, Sally. Ex. Gage, will you hand me that book?

Direct Addresses…