Classifying Sentences According to Structure

Classifying Sentences According to Structure Complex, Compound-Complex Sentences

Complex Sentences • A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one subordinate (dependent) clause. A subordinate (dependent) clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

#1 • Whenever youwant (to play ball), tell me. • Yes- Complex

#4 • You will get better if you just keep trying. • Yes –Complex.

#7 • When you compete, good attitudes count, too. • Complex

#8 • Some coaches are naturals; however, they must practice a great deal. • NO!! COMPOUND!!!!!!!

# 9 • Coaches like working with athletes who show courage. • Complex

10. • They also welcome team players, who they know are assets. • Yes. Complex.

12. • Theycan concentrate too much on themselves; moreover, they can become conceited about their own publicity. • No. Not complex.

17. • Athletics can teach much about life in general.

Compound –Complex Sentences • A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

Example: • Chess, which is a game of wit and skill, can be rewarding, but it can also be discouraging.

#7 • He created stories that outlined the abuses (of child labor) (in graphic detail), but he was unable to abolish all of the abuses; despite the skill of his pen.

1. • Whenever you want to play ball, (you)tell me. Dependent Clause Ind.

2. • If you want to succeed in athletics, keep in shape. • Complex

9. • Coaches like working with athletes who show courage.

20. • Some athletes retire at a young age because their injuries prevent them from playing. • Yes. Complex.

Compound / Complex 5. • The new laws that were passed forced employers to consider some of the children’s needs, but the laws left much to be desired. • YES. Compound / Complex.

4. • Eventually, public outrage protected these children. • Simple : No.

7. • He created stories that outlined the abuses of child labor in graphic detail, but he was unable to abolish all of the abuses, despite the skill ( of his pen). • Compound , complex

9. • When English citizens read Oliver Twist, for example, they began thinking about child labor laws, and some of them insisted on reform. • Yes.

Classifying Examples: • 1. When the sun came out, swimmers quickly returned to the water. • Complex.

2. • Give John another chance at tennis. • Simple.

10. • Far from the crowded theater stood the playwright –independent. • The playwright who had written the successful musical. -dependent. • Complex.

15. • Iremember the singing (of the birds), the smell (of pine trees), the rustle (of the soft breezes).

Classifying Sentences According to Structure