17 Compound

Sentences
SECTION THEME: Popular Culture

Learning
Objectives

17.1 Compare simple

and compound
sentences.
17.2 Combine sentences
using coordinating
conjunctions.
17.3 Combine sentences
using semicolons.
17.4 Combine sentences
using transitional
expressions.

In this chapter, you read about topics related to fads and fashions.

The Writer’s Journal

Do you have body art, such as tattoos and piercings? In a paragraph, explain why you do or
do not have body art.

Compare Simple and Compound

Sentences
17.1 Compare simple and compound sentences.
When you use sentences of varying lengths and types, your writing flows more
smoothly and appears more interesting. You can vary sentences and create relationships
between ideas by combining sentences.
Review the differences between simple and compound sentences.
A simple sentence is an independent clause. It expresses one complete idea, and
it stands alone. Simple sentences can have more than one subject and more than one
verb.

250
 Compound Sentences 251

One subject and verb Tattooing is not a new fashion.

Two subjects Tattooing and body piercing are not new fashions.
Two verbs Della McMahon speaks and writes about current
trends.

A compound sentence contains two or more simple sentences. The two complete
ideas can be joined in several ways.

Vera creates handbags. + She also designs shoes.

Add a coordinator Vera creates handbags, and she also designs shoes.
Add a semicolon Vera creates handbags; she also designs shoes.
Add a semicolon and Vera creates handbags; moreover, she designs
conjunctive adverb shoes.

Combine Sentences Using

Coordinating Conjunctions
17.2 Combine sentences using coordinating conjunctions.
A coordinating conjunction joins two complete ideas and indicates the connection
between them. The most common coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or,
yet, and so.

Complete idea, coordinating conjunction complete idea.

Review the following chart showing coordinating conjunctions and their functions.

Coordinating
Conjunction Function Example
for to indicate a reason Henna tattoos are great, for they are not
permanent.
and to join two ideas Jay wants a tattoo, and he wants to change his
hairstyle.
nor to indicate a negative idea Cosmetic surgery is not always successful, nor is
FANBOYS it particularly safe.
but to contrast two ideas Tattoos hurt, but people get them anyway.
or to offer an alternative Jay will dye his hair, or he will shave it off.
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yet to introduce a surprising choice He is good-looking, yet he wants to get cosmetic

surgery.
so to indicate a cause and effect He saved up his money, so he will get a large
relationship tattoo.

HINT: Recognizing Compound Sentences

To be sure that a sentence is compound, place your finger over the coordinating
conjunction, and then ask yourself whether the two clauses are complete sentences.

Simple The fashion model was tall but also very thin.
Compound The fashion model was tall, but she was also very thin.
252 Chapter 17

Practice 1
Indicate whether the following sentences are simple (S) or compound (C). Underline
the coordinating conjunction in each compound sentence.

EXAMPLE: There are many ways to alter your appearance. S

_____

1. Many people permanently alter their bodies, and they do it

for a variety of reasons. C
_____
2. Body altering is not unique to North America, for people
in every culture and in every historical period have found
ways to permanently alter their bodies. C
_____
3. In past centuries, some young girls in China had their feet
painfully bound, and their feet stopped growing any further. C
_____
4. In Africa, some men used facial scars to identify their tribe
or social position. S
_____
5. In the 1700s, wealthy European men wore tight corsets to
have a slim figure. S
_____
6. Then, in the next century, King George of England wore a
tight corset, and he nearly fainted from lack of oxygen. C
_____
7. Today, some people want to improve their physical appearance,
so they sculpt their bodies with cosmetic surgery. C
_____
8. Liposuction surgery is popular for both men and women. S
_____
9. Body altering can be painful and very costly, but people
do it anyway. C
_____

Practice 2
Read the following passages. Insert an appropriate coordinating conjunction in
each blank. Choose from the list below, and try to use a variety of coordinating
conjunctions.

for and nor but or yet so

but
EXAMPLE: Fashions usually take a while to be accepted, __________ fads
appear and vanish quickly.

1. Have you heard of Harajuku culture? Harajuku is the name of a district

and it is also a teen subculture. Every Sunday afternoon,
in Tokyo, __________
and they
hundreds of Japanese teenagers meet on Jinju Bridge, __________
but
engage in “cosplay” (costume play). Some young males dress up, __________
most of the Harajuku kids are female. The girls want to be noticed,
so they wear homemade frilly dresses and carry parasols. Their
__________
costumes require a lot of effort. They might dress up as a cute cartoon
or they can choose to dress in dark gothic costumes.
character, __________
 Compound Sentences 253

2. The pop star Gwen Stefani has a perfume brand called “Harajuku,”
for she loves that subculture. Today, the Harajuku district is famous,
__________
so many visitors go there. Tourists and professional photographers
__________
search for the best-dressed youths. Seventeen-year-old Shoshi lives in
but she visits Jinju Bridge every week. Next Sunday, she
Toyko, __________
or
might wear a yellow bow in her hair, __________ she may wear a white
so she attracts a
lace cap. Her costumes are elaborately detailed, __________
but she is not self-conscious.
lot of attention. Tourists stare at her, __________
for
Shoshi is frequently photographed, ____________ she always wears the most
nor do most of her
eye-catching outfits. She never refuses to pose, __________
friends.

3. but
Curiously, participants love to socialize and make friends, _____________
they do not use their real names. The teens choose special names,
and
_____________ they use those pseudonyms whenever they dress up in
costume. Harajuku culture will probably remain a unique Japanese lifestyle.

HINT: Place a Comma Before the Coordinating

Conjunction
Add a comma before a coordinating conjunction if you are certain that it joins two
complete sentences. If the conjunction joins two nouns, verbs, or adjectives, then
you do not need to add a comma before it.
Comma The word fashion refers to all popular styles, and it does
not refer only to clothing.
No comma The word fashion refers to all popular styles and not
only to clothing.
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Practice 3
Create compound sentences by adding a coordinating conjunction and another
complete sentence to each simple sentence. Remember to add a comma before the
conjunction.

, but they worry about their personal style.

EXAMPLE: Many people deny it __________________________________________

1. I don’t have a tattoo ,___________________________________________________

for I don't have enough money.
_____________________________________________________________________
254 Chapter 17

2. Body piercing is common, ______________________________________________

yet several people In Ecuador believe it is
related with demons or something like that.
_____________________________________________________________________

3. Cosmetic surgery is expensive ,__________________________________________

and many celebrities has done it.
_____________________________________________________________________

4. She dyed her hair , _____________________________________________________

for she wanted to be more eye-catching.
_____________________________________________________________________

Combine Sentences Using Semicolons

17.3 Combine sentences using semicolons.
Another way to form a compound sentence is to join two complete ideas with a
semicolon. The semicolon replaces a coordinating conjunction.

Complete idea ; complete idea.

Advertisers promote new fashions every year; they effectively manipulate

consumers.

HINT: Use a Semicolon to Join Related Ideas

Do not use a semicolon to join two unrelated sentences. Remember that a semicolon
takes the place of a conjunction.

Incorrect Some societies have no distinct word for art; people like to
dress in bright colors.
(The second idea has no clear relationship with the first idea.)
Correct Some societies have no distinct word for art; art is an intrinsic
part of their cultural fabric.
(The second idea gives further information about the first idea.)

Practice 4
Insert the missing semicolon in each sentence.
;
EXAMPLE: Bizarre diet trends often become accepted many people follow these
fads. ^

1. In recent years, there have been many strange diet trends in The Guardian, an
article by Ellen Connolly lists these trends.
;
2. The mono-meal diet is becoming more popular its practitioners only eat one
type of fruit or vegetable for each of their meals.

3. Other people subscribe to the “Paleo” diet this diet consists of lots of meat,
nuts, and vegetables.
 Compound Sentences 255

4. More and more food distributors are offering gluten-free options bread and
many types of grains or carbohydrates are absent.

5. For those with a taste for hamburgers, the Keto diet is very appealing it
advises people to eat a lot of meat, nuts, and cheese.

6. Silicon Valley millionaire Dave Asprey created a weight-loss drink called

Bulletproof Coffee it contains two scoops of butter.

7. Many dieters have a hard time avoiding fatty foods the “diet bet” allows
them to gamble money on their own weight loss.
trends
8. New diet fads appear all the time there will be strange new fads in the
future.

Practice 5
Write compound sentences by adding a semicolon and another complete sentence
to each simple sentence. Remember that the two sentences must have related ideas.

EXAMPLE: Last year my sister had her tongue pierced ;_______________________

she regretted her decision.

; some parents believe it is because

1. Youths rebel in many ways ____________________________________________ of the age.
_____________________________________________________________________
; many people like to dye their hair.
2. Hair dyes can be toxic _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
; I think because I wanted
3. At age thirteen, I dressed like other teens ________________________________ to look like them.
_____________________________________________________________________
; sometimes they are expensive.
4. Running shoes are comfortable _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
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Combine Sentences Using

Transitional Expressions
17.4 Combine sentences using transitional expressions.
A third way to combine sentences is to join them with a semicolon and a transitional
expression. A transitional expression can join two complete ideas together and show
how they are related. Most transitional expressions are conjunctive adverbs such as
however or furthermore.
256 Chapter 17

Transitional Expressions

Comparison Example or Result or

Addition Alternative or Contrast Time Emphasis Consequence
additionally in fact equally eventually for example consequently
also instead however finally for instance hence
besides on the contrary nevertheless later namely therefore
furthermore on the other hand nonetheless meanwhile of course thus
in addition otherwise similarly subsequently undoubtedly
moreover still

If the second part of a sentence begins with a transitional expression, put a

semicolon before it and a comma after it.

Complete idea; transitional expression, complete idea.

Yuri is not wealthy ; nevertheless, he always wears the latest fashions.

; however,
; nonetheless,
; still,

Practice 6
Punctuate the following sentences by adding any necessary semicolons and commas.
; ,
EXAMPLE: Tattoos are applied with needles thus they are painful.
^ ^

1. During the era of the Roman Empire, soldiers received tattoos on their hands
consequently deserting soldiers could be easily identified.

2. More recently, tattoos represented a person’s spirituality or profession for

instance sailors commonly had anchors tattooed on their biceps.

3. During World War II, some people were forced to get tattoos for example the
Nazis tattooed concentration camp victims.

4. Since the 1990s, tattoos have surged in popularity in fact ordinary citizens of
all ages and from all economic classes get them.

5. Some people hate the new fad meanwhile others have become addicted to
tattooing.

6. At age sixteen, Rick Genest got a skull and crossbones tattoo on his left
shoulder eventually he tattooed his arms, his face, and his skull.

7. He has spent over $17,000 on tattoos hence his hobby is very expensive.

8. These days, tattoos are not always harmless body decorations on the
contrary they can symbolize membership in a criminal organization.

9. In Japan, “yakuza” criminals have large colorful tattoos similarly in El

Salvador, members of the Mara 18 gang have lip tattoos.

10. Most of my friends have tattoos nevertheless I refuse to get one.

 Compound Sentences 257

Practice 7
Combine sentences using one of the following transitional expressions. Choose an
expression from the following list, and try to use a different expression in each sentence.

in contrast for example however of course thus

in fact for instance nevertheless therefore
; however, young
EXAMPLE: Today’s parents often complain about their children. Young people
today are not more violent and rebellious than those of past generations.

1. Youth rebellion is not new. In each era, teenagers have rebelled.

2. Teenagers distinguish themselves in a variety of ways. They listen to new

music, create new dance styles, wear odd fashions, and break established

social habits.

3. The most visible way to stand out is to wear outrageous

fashions. Teenagers try to create original clothing and hairstyles.

4. In the past fifty years, rebellious teens have done almost everything to their

hair, including growing it long, buzzing it short, dyeing it, spiking it, shaving

it off, and coloring it blue. It is difficult for today’s teenagers to create an

original hairstyle.

5. Sometimes a certain group popularizes a style. Hip-hop artists wore baggy

clothing in the late 1980s.

6. Many parents hated the baggy, oversized pants. Boys wore them.

7. In the past, most people pierced their ears with tiny holes. Many of today’s

youths stretch their earlobes to create large holes.

8. “Retro” hair and clothing styles will always be popular. People often look to

the past for their inspiration.

Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education

HINT: Subordinating conjunctions Versus Conjunctive

Adverbs
A subordinating conjunctions is a term such as when, because, until, or although.
Do not confuse subordinating conjunctions with conjunctive adverbs. When a
subordinating conjunction is added to a sentence, the clause becomes incomplete.
However, when a conjunctive adverb is added to a sentence, the clause is still
complete.
Complete She wore fur.
Incomplete (with subordinator) When she wore fur.
Complete (with conjunctive adverb) Therefore, she wore fur.
When you combine two ideas using a conjunctive adverb, use a semicolon.
No punctuation She was criticized when she wore fur.
Semicolon It was very cold; therefore, she wore fur.
258 Chapter 17

Practice 8
Create compound sentences by using the next transitional expressions. Try to use
a different expression in each sentence.

in fact however therefore furthermore consequently

; therefore, I refuse to spend money following

EXAMPLE: I have my own style ___________________________________________
the latest fad.
______________________________________________________________

1. Designer clothing is expensive _________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2. I cannot sew _________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

3. Some men shave their heads ___________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

4. My best friend loves to shop ___________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Reflect On It
Think about what you have learned in this unit. If you do not know an answer,
review that concept.
1. a. What is a simple sentence? _________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
b. Write a simple sentence. ___________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
2. a. What is a compound sentence? _____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
b. Write a compound sentence. _______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
3. What are the seven coordinating conjunctions? _________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. When two sentences are joined by a coordinating conjunction such as but,
should you put a comma before the conjunction? Yes No
5. When you join two simple sentences with a transitional expression, how
should you punctuate the sentence?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
 Compound Sentences 259

Final Review
Read the following essay. Create at least twelve compound sentences by adding
semicolons, transitional expressions (however, therefore, and so on), or coordinating
conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). You may choose to leave some simple
sentences.
; for example, the
EXAMPLE: Plastic surgery is becoming more popular for men. The percentage
of men getting cosmetic surgery has risen by 272 percent since 1997.

1. We live in a culture where youth and beauty are prized. Most people on

television are young, fit, and beautiful. However, in the past, plastic surgery

was more popular for women. Now, more and more men are opting for

cosmetic surgery. There are two reasons men typically choose this option.

They want to look good. They want to stay competitive in the job market.

2. Many men feel they need to look good to get ahead in their careers. Most

male plastic surgery patients are trying to climb the corporate ladder. They

want a more defined jawline or more defined abs. That is not always possible

to achieve through diet or exercise. These procedures are not for people on

a limited income. The average price of a surgical procedure is about $5,000.

According to plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, there are different

“types” who get plastic surgery. The “male model” type usually wants

liposuction or abdominal implants. Young men feel pressured to have perfect

six-pack abs. Insecure men of all ages respond to this pressure with six-pack

silicon implants. Many men fall under the “body-builder” type. These men

want bigger, more defined muscles. They often use liposuction to emphasize
Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education

the shape of their muscles.

3. Many men admit to having cosmetic surgery. Some go to great lengths to

hide it from their friends and family. According to dermatologist Dr. Doris

Day, these men hide their appointments from their wives. They secretly save

money for their procedures. They fear being stigmatized for having plastic

surgery. They still decide to go under the knife. Often, men between the ages

of twenty-four and forty-four make this decision. Maybe attitudes about

male cosmetic surgery will change in time.

260 Chapter 17

4. Controversy about cosmetic surgery will continue. Many dislike the

concept of plastic surgery. However, for others, plastic surgery is a form

of art. According to Dr. Day, aesthetic surgery is about optimizing natural

features. Critics should reevaluate the goal of this type of surgery. This is an

important debate. It may never be resolved.

The Writer’s Room

Write about one of the following topics. Include some compound sentences.
1. Think about some fashions over the last one hundred years. Which fashion
trends do you love the most? Give examples.
2. List the steps you take when you make a major purchase. For example, what
process do you follow when you decide to buy an appliance, car, computer, or
house?
18 Complex Sentences
SECTION THEME: Popular Culture

Learning
Objectives

18.1 Identify a complex

sentence.
18.2 Use subordinating
conjunctions.
18.3 Use relative
pronouns.
18.4 Use embedded
questions.

In this chapter, you read about topics related to sports and activity fads.

The Writer’s Journal

How active are you? Write a paragraph about some of the physical activities that you do.
Provide specific examples and anecdotes.

What Is a Complex Sentence?

18.1 Identify a complex sentence.
Before you learn about complex sentences, it is important to understand some key
terms. A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb. There are two types
of clauses.
An independent clause has a subject and a verb and can stand alone because it
expresses one complete idea.

Laban Nkete won the race.

A dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone. It “depends”
on another clause to be complete.

Although he had injured his heel

261
262 Chapter 18

A complex sentence combines both a dependent and an independent clause.

dependent clause independent clause
Although he had injured his heel, Laban Nkete won the race.

HINT: More About Complex Sentences

Complex sentences can have more than two clauses.
1
Although women have played organized football for over a century,

2 3
their salaries are not very high because their games are rarely televised.

You can also combine compound and complex sentences. The next example is a
compound-complex sentence.
complex
¯˚˚˚˚˘˚˚˚˚˙
Although Kyra is tiny, she plays basketball, and she is a decent player.
¯˚˚˚˚˘˚˚˚˚˙
compound

Use Subordinating Conjunctions

18.2 Use subordinating conjunctions.
An effective way to create complex sentences is to join clauses with a subordinating
conjunction. When you add a subordinating conjunction to a clause, you make the
clause dependent. Subordinate means “secondary,” so subordinating conjunctions are
words that introduce secondary ideas. Here are some common subordinating
conjunctions followed by examples of how to use these types of conjunctions.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

after as though if though where
although because provided that unless whereas
as before since until wherever
as if even if so that when whether
as long as even though that whenever while

Main idea subordinating conjunction secondary idea.

The fans celebrated because the team won the game.

Subordinating conjunction secondary idea, main idea.

Because the team won the game, the fans celebrated.

Practice 1
The following sentences are complex. In each sentence, circle the subordinating
conjunction, and then underline the dependent clause.

EXAMPLE: Even if we cannot know for sure, early humans probably played
games and sports.

1. When two students from Oxford University visited Egypt in the 1800s, they
found the rules for the oldest sport in recorded history.
 Complex Sentences 263

2. Wrestling was done in many different cultures before any other sport was
played.
3. A cave painting from 7000 b.c. depicted two men wrestling each other in a
pit while a huge crowd of spectators cheered them on.
4. In ancient China, shuai-jiao wrestling was created when soldiers needed a
training exercise to practice.
5. Nearly two thousand years ago, a group of wrestlers in Greece wrote a list of
rules so that they could teach others how to play the sport.
6. Whenever anthropologists study different societies, they usually find some
form of wrestling or combat sport.

Meanings of Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions create a relationship between the clauses in a sentence.

Cause or Condition or
Reason Result Contrast Place Time
Conjunctions as as long as although where after
because even if even though wherever before
since if if once
so that only if though since
provided that whereas until
so that unless when/whenever
unless while

Example Eric learned He will not fight People learn Wherever After he
karate unless he feels karate even you travel, received his
because he threatened. though it is you will black belt,
wanted to be difficult to find karate he became a
physically fit. master. enthusiasts. teacher.

Practice 2
In each of the following sentences, underline the dependent clause. Then, indicate
the type of relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Choose one of the
following relationships.
condition contrast reason place time
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EXAMPLE: When Kara feels bored, she goes to the park to

play basketball. time
____________

1. After James Naismith invented basketball, the sport

grew in popularity quickly. ____________
2. Basketball is the fastest growing sport in the world because
people can play the game with very little space or equipment. ____________
3. Millions of teenagers run to a basketball court
whenever they have spare time. ____________
4. Worldwide, the older generation prefers soccer
whereas young people prefer basketball. ____________
5. Wherever Kara travels, she brings a basketball with her. ____________
6. Basketball will continue to be popular
unless a different game replaces it. ____________
264 Chapter 18

HINT: Punctuating Complex Sentences

If you use a subordinator at the beginning of a sentence, put a comma after the
dependent clause. Generally, if you use a subordinator after the main clause and
end the sentences with its subordinate clause, you do not need to use a comma.
Comma Even though she is afraid of heights, Melanie tried skydiving.
No comma Melanie tried skydiving even though she is afraid of heights.

Practice 3

Underline the subordinating conjunction in each sentence. Then add eight missing
commas.
,
EXAMPLE: Although most sports are quite safe some sports are extremely
^
hazardous.

1. Each year, many people are killed or maimed when they practice a sport.
Although skydiving and bungee jumping are hazardous extreme sports like
base jumping, free diving, and rodeo events are even more dangerous.

2. Even though they may get arrested many people try base jumping.
Wherever there are tall structures there may also be base jumpers. The
jumpers wear parachutes and dive off buildings and bridges so that they
can feel an adrenaline rush. Because the parachute can get tangled on the
structure base jumping is an extremely risky sport.

3. Free divers hold their breath until they are as deep as possible
underwater. So that they can break existing records some free divers have
dived almost 400 feet. If their brains lack oxygen they have to be resuscitated.

4. Although most rodeo sports can be safe bull riding is dangerous. Many
bull riders are injured or even killed because the bull throws them off and
tramples them.

5. Surprisingly, most sports-related injuries occur when people ride

bicycles. If anyone rides a bike he or she should wear a protective helmet.

Practice 4
Add a missing subordinating conjunction to each sentence. Use each subordinating
conjunction once.
although even though when whereas
because unless whenever
 Complex Sentences 265

When
EXAMPLE: ________________ you refer to a “football” in Europe, Africa, or Asia,
most people assume you are talking about a round black-and-white
ball.

1. British people will assume you are speaking about soccer ______________
you specifically say “American football.”

2. Soccer is the world’s most popular sport ________________ it is

inexpensive to play. ___________________ someone decides to join a soccer
team, he or she does not require expensive padding or equipment.

3. ___________________________ a lot of Americans love to play soccer,

there are not many professional teams in the United States. Sports such as
basketball, baseball, and football have professional teams and are shown on
network television ________________ soccer is not widely viewed.

4. ___________________________ soccer has yet to become as popular

as other sports in the United States, it is America’s fastest-growing sport,
according to the American Soccer Federation.

HINT: Put a Subject After the Subordinator

When you form complex sentences, always remember to put a subject after the
subordinator.
it
Wrestling is like theater because involves choreographed maneuvers.
^ they
Boxers do not know who will win the round when enter the ring.
^

Practice 5
Combine each pair of sentences into a single sentence. Add one of the following
subordinating conjunctions. Use each conjunction once.
Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education

although even because after when if

though

EXAMPLE: I am not athletic. I love football.

Although I am not athletic, I love football.
_________________________________________________________

1. Professional football players can achieve fame and fortune. Many students
want to play the sport.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. Football is a great sport. It has some drawbacks.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
266 Chapter 18

3. Linebackers hit other players. They can develop head injuries.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Players have concussions. They should receive proper medical care.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. Professional football players retire. Some have long-term health problems.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Use Relative Pronouns

18.3 Use relative pronouns.
A relative pronoun describes a noun or pronoun. You can form complex sentences by
using relative pronouns to introduce dependent clauses. Review the most common
relative pronouns.
who whom whomever whose which that

That
Use that to add information about a thing. Do not use commas to set off clauses that
begin with that.

In 1947, Jackie Robinson joined a baseball team that was located in Brooklyn.

Which
Use which to add nonessential information about a thing. Generally, use commas to set
off clauses that begin with which.

Football, which had been segregated, began to include African American players
in 1946.

Who
Use who (whom, whomever, whose) to add information about a person. When a clause
begins with who, you may or may not need a comma. Put commas around the clause if
it adds nonessential information. If the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence,
do not add commas. To decide if a clause is essential or not, ask yourself if the sentence
still makes sense without the who clause. If it does, the clause is not essential.

Most women who play sports do not earn as much money as their male counterparts.
(The clause is essential. The sentence would not make sense without the who clause.)

Tennis player Serena Williams, who has won many tournaments, earns millions of
dollars in endorsement deals.
(The clause is not essential.)
 Complex Sentences 267

HINT: Using That or Which GRAMMAR LINK

For more information about
Both which and that refer to things, but which refers to nonessential ideas. Also, which punctuating relative clauses, refer to
Chapter 34, “Commas.”
can imply that you are referring to the complete subject and not just a part of it.
Compare the next two sentences.
Local baseball teams that have very little funding can still succeed.
(This sentence suggests that some teams have good funding, but others
don’t.)
Local baseball teams, which have very little funding, can still succeed.
(This sentence suggests that all of the teams have poor funding.)

Practice 6
Using a relative pronoun, combine each pair of sentences to form a complex
sentence.

EXAMPLE: Rock climbers go on many adventures. Their adventures lead to

Rock climbers go on many adventures that can lead to injuries.
injuries. _____________________________________________________

1. Rock climbing is a complex sport. It requires strength and agility.

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. Rock climbing is a subcategory of mountain climbing. Rock climbing
involves scaling cliffs.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3. Men and women try the sport. They must be very well trained.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
4. Some people climb without ropes. They cling to rocks with their fingertips.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
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5. Alex takes great risks. He scaled cliffs in Yosemite National Park.

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Practice 7
Add a dependent clause to each sentence. Begin each clause with a relative pronoun
(who, which, or that). Add any necessary commas.

that have good leadership often win tournaments.

EXAMPLE: Teams ________________________

1. The player _________________________________________________ might be

hired to promote running shoes.
268 Chapter 18

2. An athlete __________________________________________________ should

be suspended for at least one game.
3. Bungee jumping is an activity __________________________________________
4. Skydiving __________________________________________________ is a sport
I would like to try.
5. Athletes ____________________________________________________________
should be warned about the dangers of steroids.

Use Embedded Questions

18.4 Use embedded questions.
It is possible to combine a question with a statement or to combine two questions. An
embedded question is a question that is set within a larger sentence.

Question How old are the Olympic Games?

Embedded question The sprinter wonders how old the Olympic Games are.

Embedded questions do not require the usual question word order, added helping
verbs, or in some cases, even question marks. As you read the following examples, pay
attention to the word order in the embedded questions.

Combine two questions.

Separate Do you know the answer? Why do they like bullfighting?

(The second question includes the helping verb do.)

Combined Do you know why they like bullfighting?

(The helping verb do is removed from the embedded question.)

Combine a question and a statement.

Separate I wonder about it. When should we go to the arena?

(In the question, the helping verb should appears before the subject.)

Combined I wonder when we should go to the arena.

(In the embedded question, should is placed after the subject.)

HINT: Use the Correct Word Order

When you edit your writing, make sure that you have formed your embedded
questions properly. Remove question form structures from the embedded questions.
he thought
He wonders why do people like bullfighting. I asked him what did he think
about the sport.
 Complex Sentences 269

Practice 8
Correct eight embedded question errors, and modify verbs when necessary.
is
EXAMPLE: Have you seen what is the latest sport?
^

1. In 1998, J.K. Rowling released the first Harry Potter novel. In the book,

young wizards play a game. Do you know what is the sport? It is called

Quidditch. Wizards fly on broomsticks and attempt to score points by

putting a “Quaffle” ball through hoops. In 2007, reporters were amazed to

learn what have some students done. College students on more than two

hundred American campuses have replicated the fictional sport.

2. Of course, many people wonder how can humans play Quidditch. Real-life

players run holding a broomstick. Do you know what does a Quidditch

“pitch” look like? On college campuses, Quidditch matches are played on

grass fields, and there are three hooped goal posts on both ends of the field.

In the Harry Potter novels, a “Snitch” is a golden ball with wings. Guess

what do human Quidditch players do. At each game, a neutral player

dresses in gold and tries to evade capture. Fans love to see how do players

catch the snitch.

3. There have been Quidditch matches in countries around the world. There

is even a Quidditch World Cup. Do you know where was last year’s

Quidditch World Cup? Last year, Randall, New York, hosted about one

hundred Quidditch teams from around the world. I wonder when will I see a

Quidditch game.
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Reflect On It
Think about what you have learned in this chapter. If you do not know an
answer, then review that concept.
1. Write six subordinating conjunctions. _______________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. Write a complex sentence. _________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
3. List six relative pronouns. _________________________________________
4. Correct the error in the following sentence.
5. Clayton wonders why should he wear a helmet when he goes
skateboarding.
270 Chapter 18

Final Review
The following paragraphs contain only simple sentences. To give the paragraphs
more variety, form at least ten complex sentences by combining pairs of sentences.
You will have to add some words and delete others.
When people , they
EXAMPLE: People pierce their tongues. They risk getting an infection.

1. Many activity fads come and go. Many of these fads are ridiculous.

Why do fads become so popular? Nobody knows the answer. There were

some unusual fads in the 1960s. Hula hoops hit the market. Millions of

people bought and used the circular plastic tubes. The hula hoop fad did

not last long. It briefly provided people with an innovative way to exercise.

People put the hoops around their waists. They would gyrate to keep the

hoops spinning. In the spring of 1974, a streaking fad began. It occurred on

college campuses in Florida and California. Young people stripped naked.

They may have felt embarrassed. They ran through public places such as

football stadiums and malls.

2. Fads are not always the same around the world. Some Japanese parks

and spas have amusement baths. People wear bathing suits. They jump

into a large round tub filled with noodles. The bathtub looks like a giant

soup bowl. New Zealanders have a zorbing craze. A zorb looks like a giant

hamster ball. It is very safe. Someone climbs inside the transparent ball. He

or she rolls down a hill.

 Complex Sentences 271

3. Today, many people want to exercise. They do not want to leave their

homes. Luckily, video games no longer encourage lethargy. Companies have

produced active games. The games force participants to move vigorously.

Children play Dance Dance Revolution. They burn three times more calories

than those who use traditional hand-held games. Even adults buy the

games. They can play tennis or football in their living rooms. Do you know

the answer to the following question? Why do adults love active video

games? The reasons are simple. The games are entertaining and provide

some exercise.

The Writer’s Room

Write about one of the following topics. Include some complex sentences.

1. Think about a sport that you really enjoy and a sport that you dislike. Compare
and contrast the two sports.
2. What causes children to love or hate gym class in grade school?
Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education