Varying Sentence Structure

Writing Simple, Compound, and Complex

Sentences

Why is it important to vary sentence structure?

● Too many simple sentences can make your writing sound choppy.

● Too many long (compound and complex) sentences can make your writing difficult to follow.

● Therefore, you should vary your sentences by making some long and others short.

● It will help make your writing interesting and coherent.

Simple Sentence

● A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb.

● It expresses a single, complete thought.

● A simple sentence is an independent clause.

What?

● An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone. It is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.

● An independent clause is a sentence.

Example of a Simple Sentence

● The cell phone rang right before class.● What is the subject?● What is the verb?

Compound Sentence

● It is a sentence that joins two independent clauses together with a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.

Formula

● Compound Sentence =

Independent Clause + Independent Clause

Combining Clauses

● There are two ways to combine independent clauses to make a compound sentence:

● Comma + Coordinating Conjunction● Semicolon

Comma + Coordinating Conjunction

● A coordinating conjunction is also known as a F.A.N.B.O.Y.S.

● For● And● Nor● But● Or● Yet● So

Comma + CC/FANBOYS

● Ex) The cell phone rang right before class, so the student quickly turned off the phone’s ringer.

● Ex) The teens walked to the park, but it was closed.

● Ex) The gentleman did not know where the sound came from, so he hid behind the tree.

Combining Clauses

● There are two ways to combine independent causes to make a compound sentence:

● Comma + Coordinating Conjunction● Semicolon

Semicolon

● You can also use a semicolon to create a compound sentence since the two statements are equal.

● Ex) The teacher applauded the class; the kids beamed with pride.

● Ex) The dog ate; the cat slept.

●Now, it is your turn!

Warm-Up● Directions- Number #1-3 on a separate sheet of paper. Write

down if the example is simple or compound. If compound, mark why.

1. The rain fell for hours and ruined the picnic.

1. I left, but Marcy stayed.

1. Polar bears feed on seals; seals feed on fish.

Warm-Up● Directions- Copy the sentence. Mark as simple or compound.

If compound, mark why.

1. Female penguins usually stay at sea, but they return when their eggs hatch.

1. Roses, carnations, and violets were growing in the garden.

1. The sun rose; the air did not feel warm.

Warm-Up● Directions- Create a compound sentence by joining the two

independent clauses using a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

1. I’m driving to the office in an hour. I’ll pick up the supplies on the way.

1. Dorothy likes white water rafting. She also enjoys kayaking.

1. I planned to go to the hockey game. I couldn’t get tickets.

Complex Sentence

● It is one independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses.

● Each clause has its own subject and verb but the dependent clause can’t stand alone.

● The two clauses are joined by a subordinating conjunction.

● A dependent clause that begins a sentence must be followed by comma.

Formula

● Complex Sentence=

subordinating conjunction + dependent clause + comma + independent clause

OrIndependent clause + subordinating

conjunction + dependent clause

Subordinating Conjunctionsafter how untilalthough if unlessas in as much as if in order that when as long as at least whenever as much as now that whereas soon wherever as though sincewhile because so thatbefore even if thateven though though

Examples of Complex Sentences

● Because Kayla has so much climbing experience, we asked her to lead our group.

● He stands at the bottom of the cliff while the climber moves up the rock.

● John cannot set up his computer because the wall has no outlet.

●Now, it is your turn!

Post Assessment: Test yourself. Are these simple, compound, or complex sentences?

1. The teacher walked into the classroom, greeted the students, and took attendance.

1. Juan played football while Jane went shopping.

1. Juan played football, yet Jim went shopping.

1. Although Mexico has a better team, they lost the tournament.

1. The island was filled with many trails winding through the thick underbrush, a small lake, and dangerous wild animals.

Combine the sentences in the following paragraph for variety: Use simple, compound, and complex sentences.

● Tom prefers baseball to basketball. Baseball seems more interesting to Tom. Tom feels baseball is a gentleman’s sport. Baseball is more structured than basketball. Baseball requires athletes to use more skill than aggression when playing. Tom respects baseball players the most.

Possible Revisions

● Tom prefers baseball to basketball because it seems more interesting to Tom. Tom feels baseball is a gentleman’s sport. Baseball is more structured than basketball, and it requires athletes to use more skill than aggression when playing. Tom respects baseball players the most because of this.