The last type of sentence we're going to discuss is the complex sentence. Recall that compound sentences (as discussed in the November 10th blog) have two or more independent clauses. A complex sentence is similar in that there will be one independent clause, but there will also be one or more dependent clauses.
Before we go on, let's look closer at those clauses. Independent clauses are parts of a sentence that could stand on their own as a complete sentence. They are complete thoughts with both a subject and a verb. On the other hand, dependent clauses (as the name implies) cannot stand on their own because they "depend" on the independent clause for completion.
In the examples below, you'll see a few complex sentences. For each one, the independent clause is shown in blue, and the dependent clause is shown in red.
1.) Because Sue got stuck at the bridge, she was late for work.
2.) I went to the mall although I had no money to spend.
3.) When studying for a test, try turning off all televisions.
4.) The house was sold after the price was dropped.
Notice a few key things. First, when the sentence begins with the dependent clause, a comma is needed after that clause. However, when the sentence begins with the independent clause, no comma is needed. The independent clauses could stand on their own. For example #1, that independent clause could have been written as a sentence on it's own. You could have typed "She was late for work." The dependent clause of that sentence ("Because Sue got stuck at the bridge") could not be a sentence on its own because you need more information to complete the thought.
For more information about complex sentences, visit this website from Empire State College in New York.
What have you thought about the sentence types that we've discussed so far? Did you know about them and the characteristics of each or is this something new?
5 comments:
I taught the sentences was very educational. It is new to me, but with pratice and review, I can do better in writing my sentences and puntuation properly.
I always enjoy the links you provide in the blog. They are interesting and informative. I did the exercize for basic compound and complex sentences on the Empire State College website.
This topic is difficult for me. On Elluminate this week we looked at run-on sentences. The complex and compound-complex sentences all seem like run-on sentences to me! I didn't have as much difficulty with compound sentences.
Mirlene,
I did very well in the complex sentence because I had mist one question on five.
Because there was an accident 441 by Oaklank Park this afternoon, I did not went for shopping.
This topic is excellent. It is difficult to focus on complex and complexes sentences, when writing a long essay.
Maria Rodriguez - Trelles
The sentences was somnething new to me. It was interesting and educational.
Allison
Post a Comment