Grade 7 English FAL - Grammar
Simple, compound and complex sentences:
What is a simple sentence?
Sentences can be structured in different ways.
A simple sentence has a subject and ONLY ONE verb:
The boy kicked the ball.
The wolf howled at the moon.
What is a compound sentence?
A compound sentence is formed when you join two main clauses with a conjunction (See lesson on 28/04/2020). In a compound sentence the clauses are linked by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, or).
I like bananas and I like grapes.
Zoe can be rude at times but she is a nice girl.
What is a complex or multi-clause sentence?
A complex sentence is formed when you join a main clause and a subordinate (dependent) clause with a conjunction (See lesson on 28/04/2020). A subordinate (dependent) clause is one that relies on a main clause to make sense. “Remeber the main peanut in the pakkie…”
The conjunctions in complex sentences are subordinating conjunctions and they tell us about the order or the place in which things happened or specify a cause or effect relationship between events. Conjunctions used in complex sentences include after, although, as, because, if, since, unless, when.
I love roast potatoes, although my mum prefers them mashed.
You need to prepare for the spelling test tomorrow if you want to get all your spellings right.
The big dog barked whenever I knocked on the door.
AKTIWITEITE
Simple, compound and complex sentences: Activity
Rewrite each sentence in the paragraph and label them simple, compound, or complex.
Our hockey teams are really good this year (____________). Our coaches are great because they have been coaching
for years (___________). Sannie takes a lot of shots, but she misses some of them (___________). Johnny is fast
since he also runs athletics (___________). Owen is an excellent shooter(___________). Mark makes a lot of assists
(___________). The team practices often, and we work hard every game (___________). Our team will succeed
because we believe in each other (___________). I love this year’s team (___________). We are going to win every
game, so we can be champions (___________).
Answers
Our hockey team is really good this year ( simple ). Our coaches are
great because they have been coaching for years ( complex ). Sannie takes a
lot of shots, but she misses some of them ( compound ). Johnny is fast
since he also runs track ( complex ). Owen is an excellent shooter
( simple ). Mark makes a lot of assists ( simple ). The team practices
often, and we work hard every game ( compound ). Our team will succeed
because we believe in each other ( complex ). I love this year’s team
( simple ). We are going to win every game, so we can be league
champions ( compound ).