SIMPLE, COMPOUND, AND
COMPLEX SENTENCES
SIMPLE AND COMPOUND
SENTENCES:
• So far you have studied only simple sentences. A simple sentence has a
subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. Sometimes two
simple sentences can be combined into one sentence called a compound
sentence. The simple sentences are joined by a comma and a connecting
word like and, or, or but.
Simple Sentences:
Compound Sentence:
Mary is a scientist.
Mary is a scientist, and she travels often.
She travels often.
• Do not confuse a compound sentence with a simple sentence that has a
compound subject, a compound predicate, or both. A compound
sentence has a subject and a predicate on each side of the connecting
word.
Compound Subject
Ann and I do research.
Compound Predicate
We write reports and read them
aloud.
Compound Subject and
Compound Predicate
She and I study and work together.
Compound Sentence
Ann types the report, and I
proofread it.
“TRY IT OUT”:
Which sentences are compound sentences? Which are simple sentences with
compound subjects or predicates? What is the connecting word that joins the
parts of each compound sentences?
1. Ancient people in Peru made long lines, and they drew huge pictures of
animals.
2. Oversized images were drawn, but they are a mystery.
3. Some lines are forty miles long, and some pictures are the size of two
football fields.
4. Dirt, rocks, and stones were cleared from a dark layer of earth.
5. A sandy layer showed up clearly, and it still shows today.
“ON YOUR OWN”:
Label each sentence simple or compound.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Buses and planes bring tourists to Washington, D.C.
Spring is here, and its breezy.
I see cherry trees and smell their sweet blossoms.
The Capitol has Saturday tours, but the FBI is closed then.
The city is a symbol of the nation’s history, legacy, and
unity.
6. Washington is named for George Washington, and D.C.
stands for District of Columbia.
CONJUNCTIONS:
• The connecting words and, or, and but are called
conjunctions. You can use conjunctions to make subjects,
predicates, and sentences compound. The conjunction
that you use depends on your purpose.
• Use and to add information.
dive.
• Use or to give a choice.
swim?
• Use but to show contrast.
sails.
I can swim and
Doe she sail or
I swim, but Lee
“TRY IT OUT”:
Choose the better conjunction.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Shall we sail now (but, or) wait until later?
The wind is strong, (or, and) the waves are high.
We might tip over (but, or) freeze out there!
Sailing is a joy (but, and) not in bad weather.
We could water-ski, (but, and) the sea is rough.
You (and, but) I should shoot baskets instead.
“ON YOUR OWN”:
Write and, or, or but to complete each sentence,
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
John, Sue, _____ I can steer.
Help us raise the sail _____ pull up the anchor.
I brought the picnic lunch, _____ I forgot the juice.
We can sail to that island _____ stop now for a swim.
John _____ Sue both want to go there.
CONTINUATION:
Choose the better conjunction.
1. Today Joe (and, or) I sail together.
2. We can sail to an island (or, but) stay near the coast.
3. I like the island, (and, but) Joe likes the coast better.