Chapter Six - Complex Sentence

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Compound and Complex Sentences

Compound Sentence

Lets make your sentences grow. The easiest way is to join two simplesentences to make a compound sentence.

Pattern 1 helps you join two short, simple sentences having closely related

ideas by a semi-colon. DO NOT PUT A COMMA!

You avoid putting a comma if you faithfully copy the following patterns for

compound sentences, being careful to imitate the punctuation exactly.

Remember that an independent clause has a subject-verb combination that

makes a full statement. What follows the semicolon must be able to stand

alone; otherwise your sentence is wrong.

Examples:

1. Kuala Lumpur is a busy city; this means getting around it will be easy.

2. Malaysians come from different backgrounds; you might want to know

what is not suitable.

3. Malaysia offers the cheapest rates for tourist; the country beat the

likes of Bangkok, New York, London, and Tokyo.

4. Central Market is an entertainment and recreational hub for local

citizens and foreigners; it is a one-stop souvenir-shopping centre in

Kuala Lumpur.

5. The easiest way to get around the city is by boarding the LRT system;

it services some of Kuala Lumpurs affluent and heavily populated

areas.

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Pattern 1

S V ; S V

(two short, related sentences joined)


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Pattern 2 uses a conjunctive adverb (connector), such as however, hence,

therefore, thus, then, moreover, nevertheless, likewise and consequently.

You still need a semicolon before the connector, but a comma after the

connector is optional.

Below is the function of each of the conjunctive adverb.

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Pattern 2

S V ;however, S V


WORDS OR PHRASES WHICH SIGNAL A CHANGE OF DIRECTION

but however on the other hand still

instead although despite though

on the contrary nevertheless even though in spite of

otherwise in contrast to

WORDS OR PHRASES WHICH SIGNAL EXPANSION

for example such as in other words for instance

for instance like that is to illustratethat is to say to make my point clear

WORDS OR PHRASES WHICH SIGNAL THE EFFECT OF AN ACTION

as a result consequently resulting in thereforeresulting from

WORDS OR PHRASES THAT SIGNAL THE CAUSE OF AN ACTION

on account of on the grounds that owing to since

resulting from for the reason that due to in that

because

WORDS OR PHRASES THAT SIGNAL CONCLUSION

therefore consequently in conclusion as a conclusion

finally last of all to sum up in brief

my final point for all these reasons


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Examples:

1. The overall cost of living in Dubai is similar to that in most

European countries; therefore, it is expensive for most Malaysians.

2. In Dubai, utilities are subsidised to some extent by thegovernment; this results in inexpensive electricity and water for

the local population.

3. Utilities are cheaper in Dubai than in most European countries;

however, utilities in Malaysia are comparatively much cheaper than

in Dubai.

4. Your cost of living will obviously depend on your lifestyle;

consequently, you will pay higher prices for internationally-

recognised branded goods than for locally made ones.

5.Dubai has been recognised as one of the safest city to live in; onthe other hand, Malaysia is not.

Pattern 3 uses a conjunction such as, and, but, or, yet, for, nor and so.

A comma is needed before the conjunction.

Examples:

1. People like to live in the city, for they want to be where the

action is.

2. I live right in the middle of the city, so I could walk to my

favourite hang outs anytime.

3. Big cities may not be safe to live in, yet they provide others

with many opportunities.

4. There is no cool breeze, nor is there fresh air in the city.

5. There is a lot of walking in the city, and this promotes good

health.

6. City dwellers could exercise in modern gymnasium or they could

jog at the city park.

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Pattern 3

S V , but S V



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Complex SentenceA complex sentence has one dependent (headed by a subordinating

conjunction or a relative pronoun) joined to an independent clause.

Practice 9These sentences contain one complete sentence and at least one dependent

clause. Underline the independent clause in the sentences.

1. Don't use food to comfort your child.

2. Children and youths are faring better today than ever before.

3. Childhood obesity will rise to be an epidemic if parents continue not to

check on their childrens diet.

4. Children need lots of energy because they are growing.

5. Being overweight as a child can cause psychological distress.6. Obese children are at risk from a number of serious health problems

more usually seen in adulthood.

7. Very few children become overweight because of an underlying

medical problem.

8. It is probably easier to change a child's eating and exercise habits

than it is to change an adult's.

9. Doctors recommend a gradual increase in physical activity to at least

an hour a day.

10. Encourage children to be selective about what they watch on thetelevision.

Practice 10These sentences have three clauses: an independent clause and 2

dependent clauses. Underline the independent clause in each.

1. Coming from an industrial town, it is a nice change to be away from

the dirt produced by industries and traffic.

2. If they want to find a job, especially a good position in a company,

they feel they have to live in a city.

3. To enjoy these jobs, they are willing to put up with many of the

disadvantages of city life.

4. Since they have e-mail and personal computers, they do not have to

be in big cities to conduct their business.

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5. They can escape the hectic city life to enjoy life in the countryside

and still be able to do good business.

6. I live in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, where most

activities happen.

7. It is nice to read about people from all around the world talkingabout life.

8. We get stress from the surrounding environment that is noisy and

polluted.

9. You get almost everything you need in life, provided that you work

hard.

10. Life in the city is too fast that everyone hardly stops to enjoy

nature which is free.

In practice 9 and 10, you will see that the independent sentences (the ones

you have underlined) make sense on its own. The rest of the clauses are built

around the independent sentence. All the other clauses are subordinate or

dependent on it.

To construct complex sentences correctly, there are two main groups of

words that you will have to use: subordinating conjunctions and relative

pronouns.

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SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION

when where how if until

because as in order that so that that

what whether although before as long as

whereas despite the fact that unless whenever

RELATIVE PRONOUNwho whom which whose that


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Practice 12:Build a complex sentence from each of the following simple sentences. The

number of subordinate clauses you should add is shown in brackets.

1. The iPod can store thousands of songs.

2. Each prize comes with a cash award.3. Malaysia has not bred any Nobel Prize winners.

4. He did not know how to read and write.

5. Six scientists were honoured this week.

6. The youngest winner is Sir Laurence Bragg.

7. Her readership will increase.

8. She has produced more than 40 books.

9. He was inspired.

10. Her thirst for knowledge was fed by the book club.

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Chapter Six - Complex Sentence