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A simple sentence has a subject, a verb, and it expresses a complete idea or thought. It also has a period! Don’t forget
the period! You can connect two simple sentences with a comma and a coordinating conjunction such as and, so, but,
and or. This produces a compound sentence.
Compound Sentence
= an independent clause + a comma + a coordinating conjunction + an independent clause + a period
Look at the following pairs of simple sentences. Combine the sentences using coordinating conjunctions to create
compound sentences. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and logic.
2. Neil lived in Saudi Arabia for two years. He speaks basic Arabic.
3. You can get to Medellin by plane. It costs the same as taking the bus.
4. Cindy and Roberto are planning a trip to Sincelejo. They might visit Coveñas as well.
5. Exercising regularly is a good way to reduce stress. I don't have time to go as often as I'd like.
All of the following sentences have one error. Identify the error and make corrections.
1. My father was born in a small town, or moved to the big city as soon as he graduated.
2. I really want good grades this semester, and I’m working hard to get them
3. Mimi and Carl wanted to come to my anniversary party, so they had to travel to London early the next morning.
4. My first class is at 12:30 in the afternoon so I can stay up late if I want to.
5. ice cream upsets my stomach, so I don’t eat it very often.
6. My brother speaks Japanese, and German.
Part Two: Complex Sentences using a Variety of Subordinating Conjunctions
A dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but it doesn’t express a complete idea or thought. It must be connected to
an independent clause. You probably already know how to connect dependent clauses and independent clauses using
the word because, which is one example of a subordinating conjunction. This produces a complex sentence, and it can
be written in two different ways. The punctuation rules are different in each style.
In addition to because, there are other subordinating conjunctions that you need to learn. Although each subordinating
conjunction has a different meaning (and some have two meanings), they all follow the same grammatical patterns.
Study the following list of common subordinating conjunctions. You are expected to understand and to be able to use all
of them.
after before unless
although (= though) even if until
as even though when
as long as if whenever
as soon as provided (that) whereas
because since while
In small groups, look up each of these subordinating conjunctions in a learner’s dictionary. In your notebook, please
write the example of a complex sentence that is provided by the dictionary. If you are unsure of the meaning, ask a
classmate or your teacher. Next, write your own example of a complex sentence using the subordinating conjunction. Be
creative! Finally, rewrite your sentence in the other style, and pay attention to punctuation.
E.g. because
Dictionary Example: You can’t go because you’re too young.
Your Example – Style 1: I exercise regularly because it helps me relax and cope with stress.
Your Example – Style 2: Because it helps me relax and cope with stress, I exercise regularly.
Part Three: Choosing Appropriate Subordinating Conjunctions
Fill in the gaps with a suitable subordinating conjunction. In some cases, more than one option is possible, so write all of
the possible answers; in these cases, if the meaning of the sentence changes, what is the difference?
2. I would like to take that class ____________________ I really like the teacher.
3. We are going to go to Cartagena ____________________ we finish our last class this week.
4. ____________________ the teacher told us we had a phone break, I immediately checked my cel phone.
5. She studied at Los Andes for one year ____________________ she transferred to Uninorte.
7. Brian should have let you know that he has a dog ____________________ he knows you are allergic.
8. The presentation should go really well ____________________we have practiced and prepared a great deal.
10. ____________________ International Business students receive credit for English classes, many others don't.
11. Julia has been excited ____________________ she was admitted to the study abroad program in London.
13. Robert would like to do a specialization in Poland ____________________ he can afford it.
14. ____________________ I get less than a 3.0 in the class, my mother will be furious.
Are you ready to take it one step further? You can combine a simple sentence with a complex sentence to create a
compound-complex sentence. Look at the examples in the table. Next, add one example sentence in the last row.
Look at the examples in the table below. Next, add one more compound-complex sentence in the last row.
Compound-Complex Sentence (Option 3)
= an Independent Clause + a Comma + a Coordinating Conjunction + an Independent Clause
+ a Subordinating Conjunction + a Dependent Clause + a Period
Independent Coordinating Subordinating Conjunction
Comma Independent Clause Period
Clause Conjunction with a Dependent Clause
I love Domino's Pizza , and I have eaten it twice although I used to hate it .
She wanted to visit L.A. , but it was difficult since she had travel to N.Y. .
Passing the class is easy , so study well when you have tests .
if you want a smaller
A Samsung is good , or you can get an IPhone .
phone
Rewrite the sentences above in the table below. Notice the difference in punctuation.
Compound-Complex Sentence (Option 4)
= an Independent Clause + a Comma + a Coordinating Conjunction + a Subordinating Conjunction
+ a Dependent Clause + a Comma + an Independent Clause + a Period
Independent Coordinating Subordinating Conjunction
Comma Comma Independent Clause Period
Clause Conjunction with a Dependent Clause