Classification of Sentences

Types

Can you say simple?

A simple sentence = one independentClause (IC).In other words, a simple sentence isone complete thought.

Woodward students cheered for the team.

Sam and Sally were invited to the party.

Remember the compound sentence?

A compound sentence = two (ormore) independent clauses (IC+IC).

orA joining of two complete thoughts.

How are they joined together?

Remember our comma rule (SV, & SV) and semicolon Rule 1 and Rule 2?

Compound sentence examples

Using commas

I am heading to thebeach, and I also planto look for seashells. IC, CC IC

Using semicolons

I am heading to thebeach; I also plan tolook for seashells.IC;IC

I am heading to thebeach; furthermore, Iplan to look forseashells. IC;CA,IC

Let’s try complex sentences

A complex sentence = one independentclause and one (or more) dependentclauses. (IC + 1 or more DC)

OR

One complete thought and one or moreincomplete thoughts.

Remember looking for dependent clauses ina sentence? They can be anywhere.

Can we find the IC’s and DC’s?

When I finished the exam, I jumped up and cheered loudly. (DC, IC)

I ran through campus because it was raining like cats and dogs. (IC DC)

When Mary finished the test, she ran through campus after she jumped the puddle. DC, IC DC

The long ones...compound-complex

A compound-complex sentence = atleast 2 independent clauses (thecompound part) and one (or more)dependent clauses. 2 IC + 1 or more DC

orTwo complete thoughts and oneincomplete thought.

Let’s look at one example.

I am very competitive, and I cheerloudly for my team when I watchthe Georgia Bulldogs play a game. (IC, CC IC DC)

For you math folks…

A FormulaS = IC (only!)

CD = IC IC (+ IC)

CX = IC & DC (+DC)

CdCx= IC IC (+IC) & DC (+DC)

A ChartType Number of

independent clauses

Number of dependent/subordinate clauses

Simple 1 0

Compound 2+ 0

Complex 1 1+

Compound-complex

2+ 1+

Practice, Practice, Practice

1). The boat that we ride on is docked at the lake all summer.

2). Roses are my mom’s favorite flower.

3). We should go shopping after school, but we need to be home by 7pm.

4). This year I want to make Eagle Roll, and I want to join a club that is fun.

5). When you get home, give me a call.