ENGLISH LANGUAGE

GRAMMAR
Lesson Thirteen
THE SENTENCE
 OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
write sentences combining dependent and independent
clauses.
identify the subject and predicate of a sentence.
analyze single sentences into their constituent elements.
identify various types of sentences.
use the types of sentences appropriately.
identify the functions that different sentences perform
construct sentences which illustrate the different
functions.
 THE SENTENCE
Choosing what types of sentences to use in an essay can be challenging
for several reasons. The writer must consider the following questions:
Are my ideas simple or complex? Do my ideas require shorter
statements or longer explanations? How do I express my ideas clearly?
This lesson discusses the basic components of a sentence, the different
types of sentences, and various functions of each type of sentence.
What Is a Sentence?
A sentence is a group words that contains a subject and a verb and
that expresses a complete thought or idea. A sentence could also
be a word. E.g. in the case of interrogatives like "why' and
commands like " sit" , "stop'.
A sentence expresses a thought in the form of:
a statement (I am studying.)
a command (Go away, sit, stop, etc)
an exclamation (I’m so excited!)
a question (why, What time is it? etc)
A sentence is composed of one or more clauses. A clause contains a
subject and verb.
 THE SENTENCE
Independent and Dependent Clauses (Definitions)
When you want to use commas and semicolons in sentences and when
you are concerned about whether a sentence is or is not a fragment, a
good way to start is to be able to recognize dependent and independent
clauses. The definitions offered here will help you with this.
This lesson will:
 define independent and dependent clauses
 explain proper ways to punctuate sentences that use them
 note some common errors to avoid
Definitions
Independent Clause (IC)
An independent clause (or main clause) is a group of words that contains
a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent
clause is a sentence and it can stand by itself. Independent clauses can
make sense on their own without relying on other elements in the
sentence to make sense.
Example: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz. (IC)
 THE SENTENCE
Dependent Clause (DC)
A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is a group of words that
contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A
dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often a dependent clause is
marked by a dependent marker word.
Example: When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz .
(DC)
(What happened when he studied? The thought is incomplete.)
Dependent Marker Word (DM) / SUBORDINATORS
A dependent marker word is a word added to the beginning of an
independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause.
Example: When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, it
was very noisy. (the underlined word when is a DM)
Some common dependent markers (or subordinating conjunctions) are:
after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if,
in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever,
whether, and while.
 THE SENTENCE
Connecting dependent and independent clauses
There are two types of words that can be used as connectors at the
beginning of an independent clause: coordinating conjunctions and
independent marker words.
1. Coordinating Conjunction (CC)
The seven coordinating conjunctions used as connecting words at the
beginning of an independent clause are and, but, for, or, nor, so, and yet
,(FANBOYS). When the second independent clause in a sentence
begins with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is needed before the
coordinating conjunction:
Example: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, but it was
hard to concentrate because of the noise. (CC)
2. Independent Marker Word (IM)
An independent marker word is a connecting word used at the beginning
of an independent clause. These words can always begin a sentence
that can stand alone. When the second independent clause in a
sentence has an independent marker word, a semicolon is needed
before the independent marker word.
 THE SENTENCE
2. Independent Marker Word (IM). (cont’d)
Example: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz; however, it
was hard to concentrate because of the noise. (IM)
Some common independent markers are: also, consequently, furthermore,
however, moreover, nevertheless, and therefore.
Proper Punctuation Methods
This table gives some examples of ways to combine independent and
dependent clauses and shows how to punctuate them properly.

IC. IC. I went to the store. I didn't buy any bread.

IC; IC. I went to the store; I didn't buy any bread.
IC, CC IC. I went to the store, but I didn't buy any bread.
IC; IM, IC. I went to the store; however, I didn't buy any bread.
DC, IC. When I went to the store, I didn't buy any bread.
IC DC. I didn't buy any bread when I went to the store.
 THE SENTENCE
Some Common Errors to Avoid
Comma Splices
A comma splice is the use of a comma between two independent clauses.
You can usually fix the error by changing the comma to a period and
therefore making the two clauses into two separate sentences, by
changing the comma to a semicolon, or by making one clause
dependent by inserting a dependent marker word in front of it.
Incorrect: I like this class, it is very interesting.
Correct: I like this class. It is very interesting.
(or) I like this class; it is very interesting.
(or) I like this class, and it is very interesting.
(or) I like this class, because it is very interesting.
(or) Because it is very interesting, I like this class.
 THE SENTENCE
Some Common Errors to Avoid
Fused Sentences
Fused sentences happen when there are two independent clauses not
separated by any form of punctuation. This error is also known as a run-
on sentence. The error can sometimes be corrected by adding a
period, semicolon, or colon to separate the two sentences.
Incorrect: My professor is intelligent I've learned a lot from her.
Correct: My professor is intelligent. I've learned a lot from her.
(or) My professor is intelligent; I've learned a lot from her.
(or) My professor is intelligent, and I've learned a lot from her.
(or) My professor is intelligent; moreover, I've learned a lot from her.
Sentence Fragments
Sentence fragments happen by treating a dependent clause or any other
incomplete thought as a complete sentence. You can usually fix this
error by combining it with another sentence to make a complete thought
or by removing the dependent marker.
 THE SENTENCE
Some Common Errors to Avoid
Sentence Fragments
Incorrect: Because I forgot the exam was today.
Correct: Because I forgot the exam was today, I didn't study.
(or) I forgot the exam was today.
Punctuation between two independent clauses
Independent clauses can be connected (or separated, depending on
your point of view) in a variety of ways. When two ideas come together
and either one of them can stand by itself — as its own, independent
sentence — the following kinds of punctuation are possible
1) Period + start a new sentence
My grandmother refuses to go to bed early. She thinks she's going to miss
out on some of the action.
2) Comma + a cute little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so)
My grandmother refuses to go to bed early, and I'm afraid she's going to
catch a bad cold.
 THE SENTENCE
3) Semicolon by itself. Where you have used a semicolon, you could
have used a period, but the semicolon, you felt, is better (probably
because the independent clauses are so closely related and nicely
balanced).
In spite of her cold, my grandmother refuses to go to bed early; she is
afraid she will miss something.
4) Semicolon + big ugly conjunction or other transitional expression
(however, moreover, nevertheless, therefore, as a result,
consequently . . . ) followed by a comma.
My grandmother has stayed up late four nights in a row; as a result, she
cannot seem to get well.
 THE SENTENCE
PARTS OF SENTENCES
A sentence is composed of two parts: the subject and the predicate.
The subject is the part of the sentence that includes the noun and
explains who or what the sentence is about. The predicate of a
sentence is the part of the sentence that includes the verb and tells
the audience the action the subject is taking (or the state of being the
subject is in).
What is a subject?
The subject of a sentence is the person or thing about which an
assertion is made or a question is asked. It is also a word or group of
words that describes what or whom the sentence is about. A subject
can also be described as the noun or pronoun of the sentence.
Subjects can either be "simple" (composed of a single pronoun, noun
or noun phrase), "compound" or "complex“.
Christine looked in the mirror. In this example, "Christine" is the subject
because the sentence asserts that she looked in the mirror.
 THE SENTENCE
PARTS OF SENTENCES
What is a subject?
The scientist was correct in her prediction. In this example, "the
scientist" is the subject because the sentence asserts that she made
a correct prediction.
What is a complex subject?
A complex subject consists of a noun phrase and any words, phrases
or clauses that modify it.
The man who had followed us inside walked over to the telephone.
central noun-man
complex subject- the man who had followed us inside
The superior performance of Ladysmith Black Mambazo pleased the
wealthy audience. central noun-performance, complex subject-the
superior performance of Ladysmith Black Mambazo
 THE SENTENCE
PARTS OF SENTENCES
What is a compound subject?
A compound subject consists of two or more noun phrases (and their
modifiers if any) joined together with a coordinating conjunction.
The man and the woman walked over to the telephone. The
compound subject here is the whole phrase, "the man and the
woman."
Neither the superior performance of Ladysmith Black Mambazo nor the
excellent wine at intermission pleased the wealthy audience.
Again, the whole phrase, "neither the superior performance of
Ladysmith Black Mambazo nor the excellent wine at intermission," is
the subject. The phrase answers the question, "What pleased the
wealthy audience?"
 THE SENTENCE
PARTS OF SENTENCES
What is a predicate?
The predicate is the part of the sentence which makes a statement or
asks a question. The predicate of a sentence includes a word or
group of words that describe what the subject of the sentence is or
what it is doing. The predicate always includes the verb of the
sentence, as well as its objects and complements.
Mary paints. This is an example of a sentence with only a subject and
a verb. The predicate of this sentence is "paints", since the subject
is never part of the predicate, and "Mary" is the subject.
Mary paints portraits of Sue. The predicate of this sentence is
"paints portraits of Sue" since the predicate includes objects or
complements and their modifiers.
Mary is painting a portrait of Sue. The predicate of this sentence is
"is painting a portrait of Sue" since the predicate includes any
auxiliary verbs or modifiers of the verb.
 THE SENTENCE
PARTS OF SENTENCES
Simple Subject The simple subject is usually one word, a noun or a
pronoun, that receives the action or state of being of the predicate. A
simple subject is the main word (noun or pronoun) in the complete
subject.
The tall boy out in left field made a great diving catch.
The sunflower sways.
The moon rises.
Simple Predicate The simple predicate is one word in the complete
predicate that qualifies as the verb of the sentence. A simple
predicate can also be described as the main word or phrase in the
complete predicate.
Example: Juan runs on the treadmill at the gym.
The panda eats.
The falcon soars.
 THE SENTENCE
PARTS OF SENTENCES
Complete Subject The complete subject is an entire group of words
that are used to explain who or what the sentence is about. This
includes the subject, or noun, itself and all the words that are used to
describe it.
The tall boy out in left field made a great diving catch.
The beautiful yellow sunflower sways in the wind.
The full moon rises in the night.
Complete Predicate A complete predicate is an entire group of words
that are used to describe the verb, or action, of the sentence and
who is receiving the action. This includes the verb, objects, and
complements. A complete predicate can also be described as a
group of words that tells something about the subject.
Example: Juan runs on the treadmill at the gym.
The massively fluffy panda eats bamboo all day.
The extremely curious falcon soars as it searches for a friend.
 THE SENTENCE
PARTS OF SENTENCES

Understood Subject In sentences that give advice or orders, also

known as imperative sentences, you is understood to be the subject
of the sentence.
[You] Get the pizza out of the oven.
[You] Stop chasing the cat.
 THE SENTENCE
What Are the Different Types of Sentences?
Sentences are divided into four categories: simple sentences, compound
sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
Simple Sentences
A simple sentence, also called an independent clause, contains a subject
and a verb, and it expresses a complete thought. In the following simple
sentences, subjects are highlighted, and verbs are italicised.
A. Some students like to study in the mornings.
B. Amadu and Emeka play football every afternoon.
C. Stella goes to the library and studies every day..
The three examples above are all simple sentences. Note that sentence B
contains a compound subject, and sentence C contains a compound
verb. Simple sentences, therefore, contain a subject and verb and
express a complete thought, but they can also contain compound
subjects or verbs.
 THE SENTENCE
Compound Sentences
A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a
coordinator. The coordinators are as follows: for, and, nor, but, or,
yet, so. (Helpful hint: The first letter of each of the coordinators spells
FANBOYS.) Except for very short sentences, coordinators are
always preceded by a comma. In the following compound sentences,
subjects are in bold, verbs are underlined, and the coordinators and
the commas that precede them are italicised.
A. I tried to speak Spanish, and my friend tried to speak English.
B. Michael watched lawn tennis, so Natasha went swimming.
C. Michael watched lawn tennis, for Natasha went swimming.
The above sentences are compound sentences. Each sentence
contains two independent clauses, and they are joined by a
coordinator with a comma preceding it. Note how the conscious use
of coordinators can change the relationship between the clauses.
Sentences B and C, for example, are identical except for the
coordinators. In sentence B, which action occurred first?
 THE SENTENCE
Obviously, “Michael watched lawn tennis" first, and as a consequence,
“Natasha went swimming. In sentence C, “Natasha went swimming"
first. In sentence C, " Michael watched lawn tennis " because,
possibly, he didn't have anything else to do, for or because "
Natasha went swimming."
Complex Sentences
A complex sentence has an independent clause joined by one or more
dependent clauses. The main idea is always in the independent
clause, while additional or supporting information is in the dependent
clause. Because the dependent clause presents information that is
not as important as the main idea, the dependent clause is called a
subordinate clause.
Thus a complex sentence uses subordination to express its idea(s). A
complex sentence always has a subordinator such as because,
since, after, although, or when or a relative pronoun such as that,
who, or which. In the following complex sentences, subjects are in
bold, verbs are underlined, and the subordinators and their commas
(when required) are italicised.
 THE SENTENCE
A. When he handed in his homework, he forgot to give the teacher
the last page.
B. The teacher returned the homework after she noticed the error.
C. The students are studying because they have a test tomorrow.
D. After they finished studying, Paul and Ann went to the movies.
E. Paul and Ann went to the movies after they finished studying
When a complex sentence begins with a subordinator such as
sentences A and D, a comma is required at the end of the dependent
clause. When the independent clause begins the sentence with
subordinators in the middle as in sentences B, C, and E, no comma
is required. If a comma is placed before the subordinators in
sentences B, C, and E, it is wrong.
Note that sentences D and E are the same except sentence D begins
with the dependent clause which is followed by a comma, and
sentence E begins with the independent clause which contains no
comma.
 THE SENTENCE
Complex Sentences (cont’d)
The comma after the dependent clause in sentence D is required, and
experienced listeners of English will often hear a slight pause there.
In sentence E, however, there will be no pause when the
independent clause begins the sentence.
Compound-Complex Sentences
A compound-complex sentence combines complex sentence and
compound sentence forms. A compound-complex sentence contains
one or more independent clauses and one or more dependent
clauses.
Although she felt guilty for missing her friend’s birthday, she took her
out to dinner the next day, and they had a great time.
I try to eat healthy food, but because fast food is so convenient, I
cannot maintain a healthy diet.
If he got the job, he would have to commute 50 miles to work, so he
decided the job was not worth it.
 THE SENTENCE
What Are the Functional Purposes of each Type of Sentence?
Because each type of sentence can serve various functions, the writer
should use the type of sentence that best communicates the purpose
of his or her idea.
Choose the sentence type that will most clearly and accurately convey
the logic of your idea.
Consider the amount of information your readers need, and consider
the links the readers need to process the information.
Vary sentence structures to pace your readers through your argument.
Functions of Simple Sentences
Use simple sentences when presenting a limited amount of
information. Although simple sentences may be shorter, they are not
any less academic than other sentence types.
To declare a direct statement
 First I will give background information about my project.
 The conclusion is supported by extensive evidence
 THE SENTENCE
What Are the Functional Purposes of each Type of Sentence?
Functions of Simple Sentences
To display a simple list
 The researchers created their hypothesis, conducted some tests,
and drew their conclusions.
 My evidence comes from journal articles, periodicals, and books.
To give concise directions
 Please consider my application for the internship.
 Turn to Table 1 in the appendix.
To ask a question
 What is the true meaning of the poem?
 What will this study mean to medical research in a decade?
 THE SENTENCE
What Are the Functional Purposes of each Type of Sentence?
Functions of Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex
Sentences
Compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences can serve
similar purposes. The writer can tailor the amount of information he
or she provides by adding independent and dependent clauses to
simple sentences.
To combine similar ideas
Compound: Recycling is an effective way of helping the environment,
and everyone should recycle at home.
Complex: Since recycling is an effective way of helping the
environment, everyone should recycle at home.
Compound-Complex: Since recycling is an effective way of helping
the environment, everyone should recycle at home; we can all work
together to protect our planet.
 THE SENTENCE
What Are the Functional Purposes of each Type of Sentence?
Functions of Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex
Sentences
To compare or contrast ideas
Compound: Alpha Blondy was a talented and successful musician, but
he had intense personal issues.
Complex: Although he was a talented and successful musician, Alpha
Blondy had intense personal issues.
Compound-Complex: Although he was a talented and successful
musician, Alpha Blondy had intense personal issues; indeed, many
say his inner turmoil contributed to his lovely music.
To convey cause and effect or chain of events
Compound: The researchers did not come to the correct conclusion,
so they restructured their hypothesis.
Complex: Since the researchers did not come to the correct
conclusion, they restructured their hypothesis.
 THE SENTENCE
What Are the Functional Purposes of each Type of Sentence?
Functions of Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex
Sentences
Compound-Complex: Since the researchers did not come to the
correct conclusion, they restructured their hypothesis, and they will
attempt the experiment again.
To elaborate on a claim or extend reasoning
Compound: Cell phones should not be permitted in class, for they
distract students and teachers.
Complex: Since cell phones distract students and teachers, they
should not be used in class.
Compound-Complex: Since cell phones distract students and
teachers, they should not be used in class, and I encourage faculty
to forbid their use.
 TYPES SENTENCE
Imperative Sentences
Imperative sentences issue commands or requests or they can express
a desire or wish. They are punctuated with a simple period or they
can be exclamations requiring an exclamation mark. It all depends
on the strength of emotion you want to express. Exclamatory
sentences can consist of a single verb or they can be more lengthy
and complex.
Examples of Imperative Sentences:
 Halt!
 Yield.
 Watch for oncoming traffic.
 Respond immediately.
 Please lower your voice.
 Meet me at the town square.
 Drop what you’re doing and come celebrate with us!
 TYPES SENTENCE
Exclamatory Sentences
Exclamatory sentences express strong emotion. It doesn’t really matter
what the emotion is, an exclamatory sentence is the type of
sentence needed to express it. Exclamatory sentences always end
in an exclamation mark, so it’s pretty easy to spot them. Use
exclamatory sentences to portray emotion but take care to use them
sparingly. Otherwise, your writing will lack sincerity.
Examples of Exclamatory Sentences
 The river is rising!
 I can’t wait for the party!
 I don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t pass this test!
 Oh, my goodness, I won!
 Suddenly, a bear appeared in my path!
 This is the best day of my life!
 Please don’t go!
 TYPES SENTENCE
Interrogative Sentences
Interrogative sentences are also easy to spot. That’s because they
always ask a question and end in a question mark.
Examples of Interrogative Sentences:
 Is it raining?
 Have you had breakfast?
 Do you want Coke or Pepsi?
 Who are you taking to the prom?
 You like Liberian food, don’t you?
Notice that the interrogatives may require a simple yes/no response or
are more open ended, each end in a question mark.
Beware Sentences with Indirect Questions
A statement with an indirect question is a declarative sentence and not
an interrogative sentence. For example: I wonder if I'll ever find my
torch.
Sarah asked whether anybody had seen her torch.
These are declarative sentences. They are statements not questions.
 TYPES SENTENCE
Interrogative Sentences
There are 4 types of Interrogative sentences.
Yes/No interrogatives
Alternative interrogatives.
Wh-interrogatives
Tag questions.
Yes/no interrogatives are questions that can be answered with a yes or
a no response. You probably ask or are asked these questions every
day.
Here are some examples of yes/no interrogative sentences:
Mister, can you spare a dime?
Did you take your vitamin this morning?
For each of the above questions, the answer will be either a yes or no
answer.
 TYPES SENTENCE
Alternative interrogatives are questions that provide for two or more
alternative answers. In other words, you’re providing a choice.
Examples of alternative interrogative sentences:
 Would you prefer chocolate or vanilla ice cream?
 Should I call or email you?
 Do you want coffee, tea, or soda?
Wh-interrogatives sentences begin with a wh-word and call for an open-
ended answer. A yes or no answer isn’t appropriate for these
questions, nor does the question provide alternative answers. The
answer can be a simple response or complex explanation.
Examples of wh-interrogative sentences:
What are you doing?
Where do you live?
Who is playing in the Super Bowl?
What is the meaning of this?
Which songs do you like best?
 TYPES SENTENCE
Tag questions are questions attached or tagged onto the ending of a
declarative statement. They transform a declarative sentence into an
interrogative sentence.
Examples:
 You live in the city, don’t you?
 We need to get going now, don’t we?
 There’s a game on today, isn’t there?
 You’re coming to the party, aren’t you?
Sometimes interrogative sentences are actually declarative sentences that
have a question mark at the end. If you ask this type of question, the last
syllable of the final word in the sentence is spoken with a rising
intonation. Here are a few examples.
 The bus has already left?
 The Stars won the AFCON Cup?
 It’s raining in Banjul?
 You’ve lost 15 pounds already?

.
 TYPES SENTENCE
What Is a Declarative Sentence (with Examples)
A declarative sentence states a fact or an argument and ends with a
full stop / period.

Declarative sentences are by far the most common type of sentence.

Examples of Declarative Sentences
Here are some examples of declarative sentences:
 There are five million people at risk.
 Abuja is the capital of Nigeria.
 I am no wine connoisseur, but I know what I like.
 She asked whether I liked her dress.
(Although this is an indirect question, it is still a statement and,
therefore, a declarative sentence.)
 THE SENTENCE
SENTENCE ELEMENTS
What is Sentence? A sentence may be composed of five different
elements. – Subjects – Verbs – Objects – Complements –
Adverbials.
The shortest sentence consists subject and verb. – He smiles. S V
The Subjects
Subject is a word or group of words which tells who/what the sentence
is about or what/who does the action. The subject could be
considered as simple, compound, or complete subject. The simple
subject is the main word or words in the complete subject;
Examples,
 A lovely boy is playing with his mother.
 A new generation tablet was launched yesterday.
 THE SENTENCE
Sentence elements
A compound subject contains two or more subjects that have the same
verb.
Examples:
 A lovely boy and his mother are in the house.
 A new generation tablet or computer was launched yesterday.
 The complete subject includes all the words that tell who or what the
sentence is about;
Examples:
 A lovely boy is playing with his mother.
 A new generation tablet was launched yesterday.
The Verbs
Verb, the second most important element in a sentence, can be just a
single word (verb) or group of words containing main verb and auxiliary
verbs.
 THE SENTENCE
Sentence elements
A single verb
 They laughed loudly.
 We love Cambodia.
 A main verb and auxiliary verb.
 She had finished her meal when we arrived.
 They will be traveling at this time next year.
The Objects
Object is a word or group of words which receives the action from the
verbs.
Examples:
 There are three types of objects: direct object, indirect object, and
object of preposition.
 The direct object receives the action from the verb; it stands after a
transitive verb -- a verb that needs object.
 THE SENTENCE
Sentence elements
Examples,
 A boy is playing football.
 We planted a tree.
The indirect object tells who the direct object is for or to; it is used with
ditransitive verbs – a verb that needs two objects – such as tell, buy,
give, offer, sent, provide, etc.
 My mother bought me a dictionary. ('a dictionary' is for 'me'.)
 We sent our boss a report. ('a report' is to 'our boss'.)
The object of preposition stands after a preposition such as at, on, in,
for, etc.
 They are good at mathematics.
 I left my book on the table.
 THE SENTENCE
Sentence elements
The Complements
Complement is a word or group of words which completes the meaning
of a subject or object. There are two types of complements: subject
complements and object complements. The subject complements
complete the meaning of the subjects; they normally stand after
linking verbs.
 Bill Gate is a businessman.
 The photograph looks nice.
The object complements complete the meaning of the objects; they
normally stand after direct objects.
 He appointed her secretary.
 We find the food disgusting.
 THE SENTENCE
Sentence elements
The Adverbials
Adverbial is a word or group of words which is used as an adverb in a
sentence. The adverbial could be an adverb, adverb phrase, or
prepositional phrase used as an adverb.
An adverb
Example:
I get up early. • He has gone home. • We will meet tomorrow. • He
drives carefully.
An adverb phrase
 They work very hard.
 She came a bit late.
 They lived very far.
 He acted so carelessly.
 THE SENTENCE
Sentence elements
The Adverbials
A prepositional phrase used as an adverb.
 They are at a hotel.
 I’m going to the bank.
 He wrote with red pen.
 We will talk after lunch time.
 SENTENCE QUIZ
Identify the structure of each of the following sentences. On the lines
provided, write S for a simple sentence or CD for a compound
sentence.
Examples i. Rocks and stones marked the trail and pointed the way.
[This is a simple sentence with a compound subject and a compound
verb. Both subjects, rocks and stones, have the same verbs, marked
and pointed.]
ii. Either you will, or you won’t; there’s no in-between position. [This
sentence has three independent clauses, so it is a compound
sentence.]
1. Dozens of paper cranes in all colours sat on the table, and the
recycling can had only a few sheets of coloured paper in it. [How
many independent clauses are in the sentence?]_____
2. Do the buses or subway run near there? [How many independent
clauses are in the sentence?]______
3. A string of pearls is expensive, so a knot is tied in the string between
each pearl.______
 SENTENCE QUIZ
.4. The tourists held up their binoculars, and an eagle soared above
them.______
5. Modern art inspires many people but confuses some others._____
6. The barn is down the road a couple of miles from here.______
7. This is a dress rehearsal, everybody, so do your best.______
8. Will Psychology I or World Studies II be offered next semester?___
9. Slowly, transfer the solution into the beaker.______
10. The human eye can be fooled; just look at these optical illusions.___
EXERCISE B Use a conjunction and a comma to combine each of the
following pairs of simple sentences into a compound sentence
Example 1. Mt. Rainier is a tall mountain, (but) it is not the tallest
mountain in the world. [Both of these simple sentences can become
one compound sentence. A comma and the conjunction but join these
two sentences together.]
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11. The soccer coach and her team practiced every day for months. They
won the championship. [How can the word so be used to join these two
sentences together?]
12. Can raccoons swim? Do they not know how?
13. Our city’s Fourth of July parade was a massive project. Hundreds of
floats were presented.
14. Meet the class in this room at 8:00 A.M. on Friday for the field trip. We’ll
leave the building by 8:30 A.M.
15. Wilma used to spend money quickly. Now she prefers to save it.
EXERCISE C Underline each independent clause once and each
subordinate clause twice in the sentences that follow. Hint: All items are
complex sentences.
Example i. When the bell rang, students poured into the hallways.
[Students poured into the
hallways is an independent clause because it has a subject and a verb ,
and it could make sense on its own. When the bell rang is a subordinate
clause because it has a subject and a verb, but it does not make sense
on its own.]
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1. When the train approached the railroad crossing, the train whistle blew
loudly. [Which part of the sentence would not make sense on its own?
Which part would make sense on its own?]
2. I will visit you every day while you are in the hospital.
3. While the electricity was out, did Carlton light some candles?
4. If the ice in the cooler melts, move the water bottles into the refrigerator.
5. Myra’s confidence grew as the third game of the tennis match
progressed.
EXERCISE D Identify each of the following sentences as complex or
compound-complex. First, underline all independent clauses once and all
subordinate clauses twice. Then, write CX for complex or CD-CX for
compound-complex on each line provided.
Example i. When my brother went to college, I got his room, and it is great!
[This sentence has two independent clauses and one subordinate
clause. It is a compound-complex sentence.]
6. Since Aunt Chi got her convertible, she drives it every day, yet she will
not put the top down. [How many independent and subordinate clauses
are in the sentence?]
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7. If Ida washes the dishes this evening, Ken will dry them.
8. Because she has been saving money all year, Nina is proud of her
savings account.
9. Hundreds of pigeons lived in the tower, and every one of them knew the
lady who fed them every day.
10. Eric has had little time for games since he opened his lawn business.
EXERCISE E Identify each of the following sentences as complex or
compound-complex. Write CX for complex or CD-CX for compound-
complex on the line provided.
Example i. If you can try out for the play, I can, and I will. [This sentence is
compound complex
because it has two independent clauses—I can and I will—and one
subordinate clause, If you can try out for the play.]
11. Although our neighbors have a satellite dish, we don’t have one. [Does
this sentence have more than one independent clause?]_______
12. That’s right; although this leaf may look plain, it will look much more
interesting under the microscope.______
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13. Because the gray fence hid the yard from public view, the children
wondered who lived in the house on the corner._________
14. The tractor, which is a model from the 1940s, still runs fine.______
15. The tour of downtown is interesting; my favorite stop on the tour is the
street that has several offbeat stores and restaurants.___________