Write original sentences illustrating the four basic sentence types. Then exchange your sentences with one or (not more than) two classmates. Make any changes that may be necessary before you submit your work. Review "Sentence Types and Punctuation."
1. Simple sentence (one independent clause, which may, however, contain multiple subjects or verbs, as long as they go together)
2. Compound sentence (two or more independent clauses, joined by appropriate punctuation, perhaps with a coordinating conjunction, i.e., FANBOYS word)
3. Complex sentence (one and only one independent clause and any number of dependent or subordinate clauses)
4. Compound-complex sentence (two or more independent clauses and any number of dependent or subordinate clauses)
5. Underline the independent clauses; circle the dependent clauses.
6. Write "S" above the subject of each clause. Write "PV" above each predicate verb. If there are any direct objects or subject complements, write "DO" or "SC" above them as appropriate.
7. Finally, make a list of three nouns, three predicate verbs (easy enough if you have labeled them correctly above!), and one example of each of the following, if indeed there any in your sentences: pronoun, adjective, adverb, conjunction (label as either coordinating or subordinating), and preposition.
Return to English 111 home page.