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Simplecompoundcomplex 140609054946 Phpapp02

The document discusses the importance of varying sentence structure to enhance writing interest, outlining three types of sentences: simple, compound, and complex. It provides examples and guidelines on how to construct each type, including the use of coordinating conjunctions and transitions. Additionally, it emphasizes the correct usage of punctuation when combining independent and dependent clauses.

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10 views18 pages

Simplecompoundcomplex 140609054946 Phpapp02

The document discusses the importance of varying sentence structure to enhance writing interest, outlining three types of sentences: simple, compound, and complex. It provides examples and guidelines on how to construct each type, including the use of coordinating conjunctions and transitions. Additionally, it emphasizes the correct usage of punctuation when combining independent and dependent clauses.

Uploaded by

acernitro88588
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Varying Sentence Structure

© 2001 by Ruth Luman


References
Adding Variety to Sentence Structure

To make your writing more interesting,


you should try to vary your sentences in
terms of length and structure. You can
make some of your sentences long and
others short. Read the two paragraphs
on the next page.
Two Paragraphs
Read the paragraphs below. Choose the
paragraph that is more effective.
I love living in the city. I have a wonderful view of the
entire city. I have an apartment. I can see the Golden
Gate Bridge. I can see many cargo ships pass under the
bridge each day. I like the restaurants in San Francisco. I
can find wonderful food from just about every country. I
don’t like the traffic in the city.

I love living in the city of San Francisco. I have a


wonderful view of the entire city from my apartment
window. In addition, I can see the Golden Gate Bridge
under which many cargo ships pass each day. I also like
San Francisco because I can find wonderful restaurants
with food from just about every country; however, I don’t
like the traffic in the city.
How do you vary sentence structure?
You will want to use a variety of
sentence structures in your writing.
There are three types of sentences we
will study in this lesson:

- Simple Sentence
- Compound Sentence
- Complex Sentence
The Simple Sentence
A simple sentence has one independent
clause (one subject and a verb):

I live in San Francisco.

Subject
Verb
Compound Sentence
A compound sentence contains two
independent clauses that are joined
together.

She works in the city, but she lives in the suburbs.

Independent Independent
Clause Clause
Compound Sentence

You can make a compound sentence


by joining two logically related
independent clauses by using…

- a semicolon
- a coordinating conjunction
- a transition
Using a Semicolon
Independent Clause ; Independent Clause

I love living in the city ; there are so many things to do.

Independent Independent
Clause Clause
Using a Coordinating Conjunction
Independent Clause ,coordinating conjunction Independent Clause

He couldn’t watch the show , so he decided to


tape it.

Independent Independent
Clause Clause
Coordinating Conjunctions
Logical Relationship Coordinating
Conjunction
Addition And
Contrast But, yet
Choice Or, nor
Cause For
Result So
FANBOYS
Another way to remember these is…

 For  F
 And  A
 Nor  N
 But  B
 Or  O
 Yet  Y
 So  S
CAUTION!
Do NOT use a comma every time you use
the words and, or, but, nor, for, so, yet.
Use a comma only when the coordinating
conjunction joins two independent clauses.

Simple Sentence

The necklace was beautiful but expensive.

Independent No comma- not an


Clause independent clause
Using a Transition
Independent Clause ; transition , Independent Clause

I love San Francisco ; however, I hate the traffic.

Independent Independent
Clause Clause

Click here to see lists of


transitions.
Complex Sentences
A complex sentence contains at least one
independent clause and one dependent
clause.

John cannot set up his typewriter

Independent Clause

because the wall has no outlet.


Subordinating Dependent Clause
Conjunction
Example- Complex Sentence

A complex sentence contains at least one


independent clause and one dependent
clause.
She will go to school in the city
Independent Clause

until she finds a job.


Subordinating Dependent Clause
Conjunction
Complex Sentences
Use a comma after a dependent clause if it
begins the sentence.
When I first moved to the city,

Subordinating Use a comma if


Conjunction the dependent
clause is the first
part of the
sentence.

I was afraid to drive the steep and narrow streets.

Independent
Clause
Relationship Transition
Addition Moreover
Furthermore
In addition
besides
Contrast However On the contrary
In contrast On the other hand

Result or Effect Consequently Accordingly


Thus Hence
Therefore As a result

Reinforcement/Emphasis Indeed
In fact
Relationship Transition
Exemplification For example
For instance
In particular

Time Meanwhile (at the same time)


Subsequently (after)
Thereafter (after)

Reinforcement/Emphasis Indeed
In fact

Exemplification For example


For instance
In particular

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