Lesson 292 - Parts of the Sentence - Compound/Complex Sentences

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A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause.

 

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses. Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.) A semicolon can take the place of the conjunction and comma. Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

 

Instructions: The following sentences are made up of two independent clauses with one or more dependent clauses. You are to identify the clauses telling what kind each is. The choices are independent clause, noun clause, adjective clause, or adverb clause.

1. Since we had gone only a mile from camp, we could return before dark, and we would not become lost.

2. After the tornado had hit, my house was gone, but my neighbor's house was not touched.

3. Mary heard the frightening noise again, and the sound was one that would frighten the bravest of people.

4. The route can be changed, but I know several people who will not like the change.

5. Dr. Mathews did what could be done, but it simply was not enough to save his life.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Since we had gone only a mile from camp = adverb clause

we could return before dark = independent clause

we would not become lost = independent clause

2. After the tornado had hit = adverb clause

my house was gone = independent clause

my neighbor's house was not touched = independent clause

3. Mary heard the frightening noise again = independent clause

the sound was one = independent clause

that would frighten the bravest of people = adjective clause

4. The route can be changed = independent clause

I know several people = independent clause

who will not like the change = adjective clause

5. Dr. Mathews did = independent clause

what could be done = noun clause

it simply was not enough to save his life = independent clause

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