Welcome to the World of Bigger Sentences!
Up until now, you have probably been writing short, simple sentences like "I like cats" or "The sun is hot." These are great, but as you grow as an English speaker, you’ll want to connect your thoughts to tell more interesting stories. In this chapter, we will learn how to build Compound and Complex sentences. Think of it like moving from building with single LEGO bricks to creating a whole castle!
1. What is a Simple Sentence? (A Quick Review)
Before we build bigger sentences, let’s remember the basics. A simple sentence usually has one subject (the person or thing) and one verb (the action).
Example: "I (subject) play (verb) soccer."
When we join these simple sentences together, we create Compound and Complex sentences.
2. Compound Sentences (重文 - Jubun)
A Compound Sentence is like a bridge. It connects two simple sentences that are equally important using a special connecting word called a conjunction.
How to Build Them
We use words like and, but, or, and so to glue the sentences together. We usually put a comma before the connecting word.
Pattern: \( [Simple Sentence] + , + [and/but/or/so] + [Simple Sentence] \)
Examples:
Using "and" (Adding info): "I like apples, and I like grapes."
Using "but" (Showing a difference): "I wanted to go outside, but it started to rain."
Using "or" (Choosing between things): "We can watch a movie, or we can play a game."
Using "so" (Result): "I was hungry, so I ate a snack."
Key Takeaway:
In a compound sentence, both sides of the "bridge" can stand alone as their own sentences if you take the glue away!
3. Complex Sentences (複文 - Fukubun)
A Complex Sentence is a bit different. It has one "Main Part" (the boss) and a "Helper Part" (the worker) that adds extra information. The helper part cannot stand alone; it needs the boss to make sense.
Type A: Using Connection Words (Conjunctions)
Common helper words include when, if, and because.
Example: "I was happy because I passed the test."
(The boss is "I was happy." The helper is "because I passed the test.")
Did you know? You can swap the order! If the helper comes first, we use a comma.
"When I am tired, I listen to music."
Type B: Using "that" or "what" Clauses
Sometimes a whole sentence acts as the "object" of a verb like think, know, or hope.
Example: "I think that English is fun."
Example: "I know what you want."
Type C: Using Relative Pronouns (who, which, that)
We use these to describe a noun in more detail. This is part of the "restrictive use" you will see in your syllabus.
People (who): "The girl who is playing the piano is my sister."
Things (which/that): "This is the book which I bought yesterday."
Key Takeaway:
Complex sentences show a relationship between ideas, like time (when), reason (because), or description (who/which).
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. The "Comma Splice": Don't try to join two sentences with only a comma.
Wrong: "I like tea, I like coffee."
Right: "I like tea, and I like coffee."
2. The "Floating Helper": Don't leave a "because" or "when" part all by itself.
Wrong: "Because it was cold." (What happened? The boss is missing!)
Right: "I wore a coat because it was cold."
5. Quick Review Box
Compound Sentences: Join two equal ideas with and, but, or, so.
Complex Sentences: Join a main idea with a helper idea using when, because, if, that, who, which.
Memory Trick: Think of Compound as a "Marriage" (two equals) and Complex as a "Backpack" (the main person carries the extra info).
Try it Yourself!
Can you turn these two simple sentences into one Compound sentence?
\( [I am tall.] + [My brother is short.] \)
(Answer: I am tall, but my brother is short.)
How about making a Complex sentence with "because"?
\( [I stayed home.] + [It was snowing.] \)
(Answer: I stayed home because it was snowing.)
Note: For more on specific patterns like "SVO with that-clauses" or "It... to" patterns, please check the other chapters in the "Grammar in use" section!