Lesson 291 - 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. John went to school, but James remained at home because he had a sore throat.

2. If he changes his mind, we shall know for sure that Joe has learned his lesson, but only time will tell.

3. Those clouds promise rain; we should hurry before we get caught in a flash flood.

4. Here is the money that I owe you, and I am happy to be free of debt.

5. Were you ever in a storm that was full of lightning, or don't you recall?

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. John went to school = independent clause

James remained at home = independent clause

because he had a sore throat = adverb clause

2. If he changes his mind = adverb clause

we shall know for sure = independent clause

that Joe has learned his lesson = noun clause

only time will tell = independent clause

3. Those clouds promise rain = independent clause

we should hurry = independent clause

before we get caught in a flash flood = adverb clause

4. Here is the money = independent clause

that I owe you = adjective clause

I am happy to be free of debt = independent clause

5. Were you ever in a storm = independent clause

that was full of lightning = adjective clause

don't you recall = independent clause

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