Complex sentences

From the creators of “Simple & Compound Sentences” Von Steuben’s English Department is proud to present

• COMPLEX SENTENCES

Simple Sentences Review

• A simple sentence is also known as an independent clause; this means it has a
• clear subject (or noun) and predicate (verb).
• BTW: A sentence MUST express a complete
• thought, otherwise it is considered a sentence fragment, a.k.a. an DEPENDENT CLAUSE.
• Ex. 1 Zeus was the king of all the gods.
• Ex. 2 His behavior was sometimes dishonorable.

Compound Sentence Review

• Compound sentences are created using one of three methods to join two independent clauses together:
• Method 1: a comma + a conjunction (FANBOYS word)
• Method 2: a semi-colon (;),or
• Method 3: a semi-colon + conjunctive adverb.
• For example (using Method 3):
• Zeus was the king of all the gods; however, his behavior was not always honorable.

Complex Sentences

• A dependent clause is also known as a sentence fragment,
• or a phrase that does not express a complete thought.
• Therefore, a complex sentence is created using one of two
• methods
• Method 1: independent clause + dependent clause.
• Ex. Orpheus lost Eurydice because he did not obey the gods’ orders.
• (independent clause) + (dependent clause– can’t stand alone)
• Method 2: Dependent clause + a comma (,) + independent clause
• EXAMPLE
• Because he did not obey the gods’ orders, Orpheus lost Eurydice.
• (dependent clause, or fragment) (independent clause)

Helpful Hints

• Hint #1: Complex Sentences often show cause-and-effect in your writing.
• Hint #2: In order to identify a complex sentence, look for the subordinating conjunction!!
• Hint #3: There is NO COMMA before the subordinating conjunction.