Grammar Lesson: Sentences By Design (or Construction)

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence has one main (or independent) clause and one (or more) subordinate (or dependent) clauses. In each sentence, the main clause is underlined, and the subordinate clause is in italics.

After the storm subsided, we went out to inspect the grounds.

The ticket that you received in the mail is the right one.

You will be able to ride with us unless you would rather take the train.

If the trees shed their leaves during the next two weeks, I could use some help with the raking.

Activity 2- Complex Sentences

Part One:   Underline the main clause in each sentence.

1. After his assistant arrives, Van will go home.
2. Select a hat that will block the sun well.
3. Rob returned the library book as soon as he found it in his locker.
4. When my pencil broke during the exam, Sheila lent me hers.
5. Isaac gazed at the computer screen while you were reading the schedule.

Part Two:   Change these simple sentences into complex sentences by adding at least one subordinate (or dependent) clause.

1. This is the video game.



2. The cars sped by on the highway.



3. Those winds continued to howl.

Compound- Complex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence has two or more main (or independent) clauses and at least one subordinate (or dependent) clause.

• After the winds ceased, the children went outside to play, and their parents started to rake the leaves.

The main (or independent) clauses are "the children went outside to play" and "their parents started to rake the leaves."

The subordinate (or dependent) clause is "After the winds ceased."

• These maintenance workers who are cleaning up the park after last night’s concert are my friends, and they are willing to work overtime to complete the task.

The main (or independent) clauses are "These maintenance workers are my friends" and "they are willing to work overtime to complete the task." The subordinate (or dependent) clause is "who are cleaning up the park after last night’s concert."

Activity 3- Compound-Complex Sentences

Add a clause to each sentence to make it a compound complex sentence.

1. The deck _______________ is quite larger, and it will not require much care.
2. Several doctors reviewed the patient’s charts, and they came to the conclusion _______________.
3. Whenever I start to read a novel, I want to get to know the characters, and _______________.
4. While the wedding band _______________ was warming up, the wedding singer practiced her lines, and _______________

Activity 4- Know the Sentence's Structure?

Each type of sentence (by design or structure)—the simple (S), the compound (CPD), the complex (CPLX), and the compound-complex (CC)—is used at least once in this activity. On the line before the sentence, write the corresponding letters for each sentence.

1. ____ Several workers placed their lunch orders, and their kind boss drove to pick up the food.
2. ____ Seldom has it rained for this long.
3. ____ Even though Marnie searched hard for the misplaced earring, she was unable to find it.
4. ____ An idea that the director introduced to the group was well received, and then their plans were revised.
5. ____ I would like to visit my cousin soon.
6. ____ The ship's captain made a wide turn, and the boat responded beautifully.
7. ____ Edith sat still while the dentist examined her teeth.
8. ____ Is this the address?
9. ____ When the movie ended, the crowd of people exited quietly.
10. ____ The dealer shuffled the cards, and the players anxiously awaited their hands.
11. ____ A few marathon runners who had trained hard for the event sped along the course, but other less intense runners struggled.
12. ____ These computer monitors that are several years old can be stored here.
13. ____ You can stay, or you can go.
14. ____ She finished her meal in time.
15. ____ Is this the watch that you were given?

Answers

• Simple and Compound Sentences

• The simple sentences are numbers 2, 5, 6, 9, and 10.
• The compound sentences are numbers 1, 3, 4, 7, and 8.

• Complex Sentences

Part One (The main clause is underlined.)

1. After his assistant arrives, Van will go home.
2. Select a hat that will block the sun well.
3. Rob returned the library book as soon as he found it in his locker.
4. When my pencil broke during the exam, Sheila lent me hers.
5. Isaac gazed at the computer screen while you were reading the schedule.

Part Two: Answers to A, B, and C will vary.

• Compound-Complex Sentences

(These are possible insertions.)

1. that my dad and uncle built
2. that an operation was unnecessary
3. I look for their admirable traits
4. that we had hired; the bride looked nervous

• Know the Sentence's Structure?

• The simple sentences are numbers 2, 5, 8, and 14.
• The compound sentences are numbers 1, 6, 10, and 13.
• The complex sentences are numbers 3, 7, 9, 12, and 15.
• The compound-complex sentences are numbers 4 and 11.