Complex Sentences

ENGLISH I

MODULE 5 ENG 321

COMPLEX SENTENCES

The third type of sentence is a complex sentence. Just like using both simple and compound sentences makes a passage more interesting to read, adding a third kind of sentence, the complex sentence, makes a passage even more interesting.

COMPLEX SENTENCE

A complex sentence has one independent

clause and one or more dependent clauses.

DEPENDENT CLAUSE

A dependent clause is a group of words

with a subject and a verb that cannot stand alone.

Example:

I like Sally because she is funny.

The clause “I like Sally” is the independent clause; it can stand alone. The clause “because she is funny” is the dependent clause; it cannot stand alone. It does not make sense by itself.

S VS V

I like Sallybecause she is funny.

SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION

Previously, both independent and dependent clauses have a subject and a verb. The main difference between the two types of clauses is that the dependent clauses starts with a word showing the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. These relating words are called subordinating conjunctions.

Kathy will be late for dinner sincethe meeting is still in progress.

The game will end when one team scores.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

after
although
as
as if
as long as
as though
because
before
even if
even though / if
if only
in order that
now that
once
rather than
since
so that
than
that / though
till
unless
until
when
whenever
where
whereas
wherever
while

Some conjunctions combine with other words to form what are called correlative conjunctions. They always travel in pairs, joining various sentence elements that should be treated as grammatically equal.

• She led the team not only in statistics but also by virtue of her enthusiasm.
• Polonius said, "Neither a borrower nor a lender be."
• Whether you win this race or lose it doesn't matter as long as you do your best.

both . . . and
not only . . . but also
not . . . but
either . . . or / neither . . . nor
whether . . . or
as . . . as

The conjunctive adverbs such as however, moreover, nevertheless, consequently, as a result are used to create complex relationships between ideas.

One can sequence the clauses in complex sentences in two ways. We will limit our discussion to complex sentences with two clauses (one dependent clause and one independent clause) because this is the type of complex sentence you must master.

One can make the dependent clause come before the independent clause.

When I get to Phoenix, you will be sleeping.

After the players practiced, they went out for a pizza.

Until the storm is over, we will not know about the damage.

These sentences have one thing in common with regard to how the two clauses are joined. A comma is required to join the two clauses when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.

You will be sleeping when I get to Phoenix.

The players went out for a pizza after they practiced.

We will not know about the damage until the storm is over.

There is one thing these sentences have in common with regard to how the two clauses are joined. A comma is NOT required to join the two clauses when the independent clause comes before the dependent clause.

What is needed is a FORMULA to help you remember which sentence requires the comma. Use an “I” to represent an independent clause and a “D” to represent a dependent clause. Since we always use a subordinating conjunction at the start of a dependent clause, the “D” stands for a subordinating conjunction and the rest of the dependent clause.

D, I

ID

One way to remember when a comma is needed is that when “ID” is the formula it is a real word “id,” standing for the subconscious. When the formula for the dependent clause first is used “D,I” it is backwards, doesn’t spell a word, you need a comma.

WORKSHEET # 1

Obtain a Module 5 Answer Sheet for the worksheets. In the area marked for Worksheet #1, complete the assignment below. WRITE ONLY ON THE ANSWER SHEET AND NOT IN THIS MODULE.

The sentences below are complex sentences. Mark on the answer sheet whether the formula for each is ID for independent clause first, dependent clause second; or, if the formula is D,I for dependent clause first and Independent clause last.

1. Whenhehanded in his homework,heforgot to give the teacher the last page.
2. The teacherreturned the homework aftershenoticed the error.
3. The studentswho are on the bus to the United Statesare studying English.
5. Aftertheyfinished studying,Juan and Mariawent to the movies.
6. Juan and Mariawent to the movies aftertheyfinished studying.

7. Juan played football while Juanita went shopping.

8. Juan played football, yet Juanita went shopping.

9. Although Mexico has the better football team, it lost.

10. Naoki passed the test because he studied hard and understood the material.

FORMAL AND INFORMAL LANGUAGE

Standard English Usage is the kind of English that is well established by usage in the formal and informal speech and writing of the educated, and that is widely recognized and acceptable wherever English is spoken and understood.[1]

Nonstandard English Usage is the kind of English that does not conform in pronunciation, grammatical construction, idiom, or word choice to the usage generally characteristic of educated speaker language.[2]

There are three basic types of language which may be used. They are:

1. Formal – this is the language you would use in an essay, on tests, most school work, and when speaking to teachers, other adults, and potential employers.
2. Informal – this is the type of language which you use when speaking to friends, classmates, etc.
3. Technical – This is specialized language which is used in different occupations, sports, etc., such as medical language, mechanical language, computer terminology, etc.

In most school writing that does not have a literary purpose, informal language is avoided. There is a need to avoid colloquialisms, slang regionalisms, and clichés.

Colloquialism is the very casual use of language.

“I think I’ll hit the sack.” meaning to go to bed.

Slang is popular or faddish usage of language. Slang often uses meanings to words other than the accepted definition.

“That is so cool.” meaning that something is of high quality.

Regionalisms are those words or expressions that are unique to a certain area of a country.

“Y’all fixin’ to get ready?” meaning asking if someone is getting ready for an event or going out somewhere.

Clichés are overused expressions that everyone should avoid in writing.

“gentle as a lamb” meaning quiet and not hostile.

Jargon is not only informal language but also part of the technical language. It refers to professions, occupations or hobby.

“solubility product and a molecular structure” are common to scientists but terms not usually used in everyday language.

Idioms are expressions that mean something other than the literal definition of the word(s).

“get a life” meaning to change your lifestyle. Example: He never goes out-just stays at home and watches TV. I whish he would get a life!

WORKSHEET #2

In the area marked for Worksheet #2, complete the assignment below. WRITE ONLY ON THE ANSWER SHEET AND NOT IN THIS MODULE.

Select the correct multiple choice answer for each item. These are either slang terms, idioms, or colloquialisms.

1. The disco is really quiet tonight.
   a. dead
   b. deep
   c. down
2. Can you give me some money for groceries?
   a. dip
   b. dice
   c. dough
3. I felt so angry that I wanted to hit him so hard that he would fall over.
   a. dig him
   b. dust him
   c. deck him
4. The "cream of the crop" means it is ___.
   a. the worst
   b. the best
5. If it's "just your cup of tea", it is ___.
   a. perfect
   b. all wrong
6. "In a nutshell" means ___.
   a. concisely
   b. it is finished
7. "A hot potato" is a question which ___.
   a. answers itself
   b. is difficult to settle

8. “The apple of my eye” means

a. Paying close attention

b. A negative person

1. Someone specially dear

9. “A wet blanket” means

a. Experienced sailor

b. A negative person

c. Overly excited

10. “Hard up” means

a. In trouble

b. Man on the street

c. Short of money

Now read the following paragraph and write the Standard English version of it:

" I had a flat tar on Bargetown Road own thuh way tuh thuh stowere tuh git some crowns (crayons) fer the kids. At ole boy at the garage that helped me was busy as a one-eyed cat watchin' two mouseholes gettin' everthing put together buhfour quitin' time. I tell you it was colder than banished hope out there own the road by maself. The road was slicker than a boiled owl...turned cold all of a sudden and ice was everwhere. I raised the winduh down with a smile on my face win that towtruck pulled up. The cook at the restaurant next to the garage was nice...said he wouldn'd mind to fix me a sandwich."

INTERNAL SENTENCE PUNCTUATION &

CAPITALIZATION

If there were no punctuation marks, you would feel that someone should invent them. That is what happened. Because people had so much trouble reading the manuscripts printed out by monks, punctuation marks were developed.

Today, when important punctuation marks are missing, we get confused or annoyed. Punctuation marks are really a code that we have agreed to use as signals for certain meanings.

Capital letters are also important signals in your writing. They show when a sentence begins. They indicate names of specific people, places, or things and show which words are most significant in a title.

Four Types of Sentences and Their End Marks

Declarative Sentence: a sentence that makes a statement or announces something.

“Please sit down here.”

Imperative Sentence: a sentence that gives a command or makes a request.

“Sit down now.”

Interrogative Sentence: a sentence that asks a question.

“May I sit down here?”

Exclamatory Sentence: a sentence that shows a strong feeling.

“I want you to sit down now!”

End Marks

The punctuation marks that show where a sentence ends are called end marks. The three end marks are the period, the question mark, and the exclamation point.

The Period

Use the period at the end of a declarative sentence.

Your library books are on the desk.

Use the period at the end of most imperative sentences.

Please answer the phone.

Use a period at the end of an indirect question.

Dan asked if you had seen his backpack.

Use a period after an abbreviation or after an initial.

ft. (feet)Dr. (doctor)Oct. (October)

Harry S. TrumanB.C. (before Christ)

They spent their vacation in Washington, D.C.

Use a period as a decimal and to separate dollars and cents.

$722.50.0014

The Question Mark

Use a question mark at the end of an interrogative sentence.

Can we do our homework on a word processor?

The Exlamation point

Use an exclamation point at the end of an exclamatory sentence.

That’s wonderful news! You’re a great swimmer!

Use an exclamation point after a strong interjection. (An interjection is one or more words that show strong feeling.)

Unbelievable!Super!Never!

Oh no! I forgot my driver’s license.

Help! How do I do this?

Wow! That was scary!

CAPITALIZATION

Rule: Capitalize the first word in a declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences. No Exceptions to the Rule!

Rule: Capitalize the first word in a quotation if the quotation is a complete sentence.

She said, “The art museum is closed.”

Rule: Capitalize the first word after a colon only if the word begins a complete sentence.

We all had the same thought: How are we going to decide where to go?

We all agreed that there are many attractions: museums, theaters, parks, and zoos.

Rule: Capitalize each part of a person’s full name.

Diana T. ChangeB. L. Baker

Rule: Capitalize geographical names.

Madison Avenue, Evansdale, New York City, Macon County, Georgia

United States of American, Asia, the Great Plains, the Grand Canyon, Lake Huron.

There are many rules of capitalization. If you are unsure, check the Modern Language Handbook for specifics. The dictionary can also be of assistance.

Uses of the Comma

Commas with Introductory Elements

Rule: Use a comma to separate an introductory word, phrase or clause from the rest of the sentence.

Yes, we are going to the basketball game tonight.

Commas in Dates, Place Names, and Letters

Rule: In dates use a comma between the day of the month and the year. When only the month and the year are given, no comma is needed. In a sentence, a comma follows a year.

Friday, October 12, 1999January 1999

February 20, 1895, was the day the abolitionist Frederick Douglas died.

Rule: Use a comma between the name of the city or town and the name of its state or country. When giving the Zip Code do not separate the state from the Zip.

65 Riverview Dr., Manchester, Connecticut 06040

Rule: Use a comma in the salutation of a friendly letter or after the closing of a friendly letter or a business letter. (Use a colon in the salutation of a business letter)

Dear Uncle Tom,Sincerely yours,

Commas with Interrupters

Rule: Use commas to set off nouns of direct address. (When you speak to someone using their name, it is called the noun of direct address.)

Upstairs, Luke, is a new jacket for you.Luis, hurry up!

Rule: Use commas to set off words or groups of words that interrupt the flow of thought in a sentence.

Fiona, however, has never been to a professional hockey game.

Commas in a series

Rule: Use a comma after every item in a series except the last.

John Updike is a novelist, a poet, and an essayist.

Rule: Use commas after the adverbs first, second, and so on, when they introduce a series of items.

We will review three testing formats: first, multiple-choice; second, essay;

third, fill-in-the-blank.

Rule: Use commas between two or more adjectives of equal rank that modify the same noun.

David admired the dark, mysterious painting.

Commas in Quotations, Compound Sentences, and Clauses

Rule: Use commas to set off a direct quotation from the rest of the sentence.

Janet said, “This lace dress is over one hundred years old.”

Rule Use a comma before the conjunction that joins the two main clauses in a compound sentence.

The dog came in the house, and now it’s hungry.

Uses of Quotation Marks

Direct and Indirect Quotations

Rule: Use quotation marks to begin and end a direct quotation.

Steve said, “There’s a bat trapped in the attic.” (direct quotation)

State said that there is a bat trapped in the attic. (indirect quotation—no quotation marks needed.)

Punctuate a direct quotation just as the exact words used by the speaker or writer did. The first word of the quotation is capitalized. When the end of the quotation ends the sentence, the period (or whatever end mark) falls inside the quotation marks.

The bus driver said, “The next stop is Green Street.”

Rule: Put question marks and exclamation points inside the quotation marks if they are a part of the quotation. Put those marks outside of the quotations if they are not part of the quote. Always put commas and periods inside the quotation marks.

Ginny said, “Are you going to the dance?”

Did John say, “I can’t come tonight”?

“I don’t have a jacket to wear,” said Ted.

Rule: Enclose both parts of a divided quotation in quotation marks.

“One reason I stayed,” said Jenny, “was to hear the band.”

Rule: In punctuating dialogue, begin a new paragraph to indicate a new speaker.

No one came to the house for days. Ivan went from room to room, just waiting for something to happen.

“Please stop that roaming around,” said Greg

“Why hasn’t anyone come to ask about us?” Ivan whined.

Uses of Semicolons

Rule: Use a semicolon to separate two main clauses in compound sentences if the are not joined by and, but, for or nor.

I like Mrs. Jones; she is never sarcastic.

Rule: Use semicolons when separating clauses with words such as however, moreover, consequently, nevertheless, and therefore. Also, be sure to put a comma after these words.

He was sick; nevertheless, he walked for a mile.

Rule: If a series of things already has commas within it, use a semicolon to separate the items.

We visited Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York, New York; and, Boston, Massachusetts this summer.

Uses of Colons

Rule: Use a colon before a list if the first part of the sentence is complete alone.

These are my favorite relatives: John, Sharon, and Mary.

Rule: The words as follows, these, there are, or the following indicate that a list will follow. Use a colon after these words if the sentence is complete.

The only important people were as follows: Fred, Sally, and Joe.

Rule: A colon may be used to introduce a single items.

John had one ambition: to win a scholarship.

Rule: Use a colon to introduce a formal quotation.

President Roosevelt stated: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

WORKSHEET #4

In the area marked for Worksheet #3, complete the assignment below. WRITE ONLY ON THE ANSWER SHEET AND NOT IN THIS MODULE.

Instructions: in each blank space in the sentences below, provide a comma, semicolon, or colon where appropriate or write a small-case "x" (without the quotation marks) where none of those marks is appropriate.