English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a subordinate clause. It matters not whether you begin with the subordinate clause or the independent clause. The meaning of the sentence will remain the same. Here is a… Read more234. Reordering Clauses in a Complex Sentence
We’ve been practicing writing complex sentences, and we’ve talked about beginning complex sentences two different ways: with a subordinate clause or with an independent clause. It’s helpful to learn how to write sentences in different ways so that our writing… Read more229. Highlight on Writing: Using Varied Sentence Structure
We talked yesterday about a grammar error called a comma splice. It is a mistake to use a comma between two simple sentences. Each simple sentence is a complete thought and must end with a period. Comma splice error (run-on… Read more209. Use Comma and FANBOYS to Avoid a Run-On Sentence
We know that compound means having two or more parts. We talked last week about a compound subject or a compound verb in a simple sentence. Compound Subject in a simple sentence: Mom and Dad went out for dinner. In… Read more211. The Compound Sentence
We know that a simple sentence is one complete thought. A period should go at the end of the complete thought. When a writer uses a comma between two complete thoughts, we end up with a run-on sentence. Here are… Read more208. Avoid Run-On Sentences and the Comma Splice
A simple sentence is one complete thought. A complete thought has a subject doing something. The dog barked.Josh rode a bicycle.We ate pizza for dinner. Each of these complete thoughts has a subject doing something. dog barkedJosh rodeWe ate You… Read more206. The Simple Sentence
The person who does the action in a sentence is the subject of the sentence. A proper noun often acts as the subject of a sentence. In these sentences, a proper noun is the subject of the sentence:Mary threw the… Read more196. A Noun Can Be the Subject of a Sentence
Section A: Write C if this is a clause (with action). Write P if the group of words is a phrase (no action).1. over the bridge2. through the back window3. If the dog runs away4. while I wash the car5…. Read more240. Practice with Clauses and Phrases
Section A: Decide where you would put a comma in each sentence below. If the sentence does not need a comma, write NO.1. If you drop the dishes they will break. 2. I found a lost dog but he has… Read more235. Practice With Sentences
Section A: This week we practiced working with complex sentences. Let’s see if you can recognize a complex sentence – a sentence with a subordinate clause word in it. For each sentence below, write Complex or NO. 1. I will… Read more230. Practice With Sentences