Review:
A compound sentence contains two or more principal propositions:
Spring comes, and the flowers bloom.
How many assertions does this sentence contain?
Two: “spring comes” and “flowers bloom.”
It contains more than one principal proposition.
Therefore, this is a compound sentence.
Therefore, this is a compound sentence.
From A New English Grammar for Schools, by Thomas Harvey:
Complex Sentences
A complex sentence contains one principal proposition and one or more subordinate propositions.
1. I hear that you have sold your farm.
How many assertions does this sentence contain?
Two: “I hear,” and “that you have sold your farm.”
It contains two propositions, one principal, which may stand by itself and make complete sense, and one subordinate, which depends on the principal proposition for it’s meaning.
Therefore, this is a complex sentence.
The propositions in complex sentences are called clauses.
A principal proposition is called a main clause.
A subordinate proposition is called a dependent clause.
2. The man who laughed is a scoffer.
How many assertions does this sentence contain?
Two: “The man...is a scoffer” and “who laughed.”
It contains two clauses, one main clause and one subordinate clause.
Therefore, this is a complex sentence.
3. The credulity that has faith in goodness is a sign of goodness.
How many assertions does this sentence contain?
Two: “The credulity...is a sign of goodness” and “that has faith in goodness.”
It contains two clauses, one main and one subordinate.
Therefore, this is a complex sentence.
Exercise:
Tell which of the following sentences are simple and which are complex. From the complex sentences select the main and subordinate clauses.
Example — We know that you were there.
This is a complex sentence, consisting of one main clause, “We know,” and one subordinate clause, “that you were there.”
1. The reason was that the invitation was urgent.
2. The reason that they gave was insufficient.
3. I accepted the excuse which you gave.
4. We were aware of it.
5. I know when the train will start.
6. I fear that it may be late.
Select the nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs from these sentences and tell how they are used.
