Question

MEDAL AND FAN! How many compound sentences are in JFK's 1961 Inaugural Address?

I'm really bad at identifying complex and compound sentences. I counted 38 complex sentences, 13 simple, and one compound in his speech, but that doesn't really sound right.

Answer 1

Here's his speech: http://www.jfklibrary.org/Research/Research-Aids/Ready-Reference/JFK-Quotations/Inaugural-Address.aspx

Answer 2

Ok, lets define which is which, and the easy difference before conducting the activity.

Answer 3

I know how to define them, I looked at this website: http://www2.ivcc.edu/rambo/eng1001/sentences.htm

Answer 4

Complex: Contains one independent clause (one that is able to stand on its own and make sense) and usually at least ONE dependent clause. (one that CANT stand on its own.)

However, in more defined terms:

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The Four Types of Sentences in English
written by: Heather Marie Kosur • edited by: Rebecca Scudder • updated: 9/6/2013

The following article defines the four types of sentence constructions in English—simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences—and includes examples to illustrate the sentence structures.

Simple Sentences

The first sentence structure in English is the simple sentence. Simple sentences consist of one verb clause. A verb clause is an independent clause that is formed by a subject and a predicate. Verb clauses are also referred to as main clauses or matrix clauses. For example, the following sentences are simple sentences:
Subject | Predicate
The dancer | sat on the pie.
The flower and the pumpkin | have blown away.
That Max likes cucumbers | surprises his mother.
Dancing | is my favorite exercise.
Compound Sentences

The second sentence structure in English is the compound sentence. Compound sentences consist of two or more verb clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or a correlating and coordinating conjunction pair. For example, the following sentences are compound sentences:
Correlating Conjunction | Verb Clause | Coordinating Conjunction | Verb Clause
Ø | Jack Sprat did not eat fat, | and | his wife would not eat lean.
Ø | The storm destroyed our squash, | so we ate eggplant instead.
Both | the shed fell down | and | the garage blew up.
Either | you need to study harder | or | you need to drop the class.
Complex Sentences

The third sentence structure in English is the complex sentence. Complex sentences consist of one verb clause and one or more adverb clauses. An adverb clause is a dependent clause that is formed by a subordinating conjunction followed by a clause. The adverb clauses may either precede or follow the verb clause. For example, the following sentences are complex sentences:

Adverb Clause | Verb Clause
Because of the rain, | the museum cancelled the picnic.
Although she studied all weekend, | she still failed the test.

Answer 5

http://www.brighthubeducation.com/english-homework-help/48167-the-four-types-of-sentences-in-english/

Answer 6

Notice the difference

Answer 7

I know, I looked at this website to define them: http://www2.ivcc.edu/rambo/eng1001/sentences.htm

But I've just never really felt confident in determining what type of sentence a sentence is, so I wasn't really sure about this one. Based on what I learned from that website, I got the result that I wrote above. But I don't know if those numbers really sound right :/

Answer 8

Ok, step by step.

(Sorry I logged off)

Simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex sentence.

1: Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy, fellow citizens:

2: The world is very different now.

3: For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

Answer 9

(does compound complex count? Or is is just compounds only valid? )

Answer 10

You can only identify the sentence as complex, compound, or simple in my assignment

Answer 11

alright.

Answer 12

Simple sentences should be easy for ya.

Answer 13

(งᗒ‿‿ᗕ)ง

Answer 14

I know #2 is simple, but I'm not sure about #1 and #3. I know compound sentences have two independent clauses that are connected by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS), but I didn't really see much of those in his speech, hence why I wrote above that there's only 1 :/

Answer 15

Sorry, I know this is much simpler than I'm making it seem. I like English, I just suck at this part of it -__-

Answer 16

Ah, let me jot down which is which.

Simple sentences I notice so far:

The world is very different now.

This much we pledge--and more. (Not sure about THIS one, it can go either way, instead of only a independent clause, it has a dependent clause and a junction word, so most likely compound than simple; though, it could happen..)

Answer 17

I'd say that 1 is complex, since no junction words are cited, just pauses.

Answer 18

I think I labelled that one as simple, but you definitely know more about this than I do, so I'll take your word for it :P

Answer 19

3 is more of a compound complex.

Answer 20

Either way. It'll be both. Win win -w-

Answer 21

Yeah, I labelled #3 as complex. I figured it was complex because it wasn't simple and compound sentences have two independent clauses, but that sentence doesn't seem to have two independent clauses.

Answer 22

Alright. I saw what you meant as 2 simple. However, still believe compound...

So, how many you need to define?

Answer 23

Each sentence in the entire speech. This is what the question says: "List the number of simple sentences, compound sentences, and complex sentences contained in the entire speech."

Answer 24

And there's 52 sentences in the entire speech.

Answer 25

Ok, lets do it in order:

1: Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy, fellow citizens


2:
We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end as well as a beginning--signifying renewal as well as change.


3:For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

Answer 26

The very first sentence where it says " Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy, fellow citizens" doesn't count as one of the paragraphs/sentences. But for the other two, I labelled them as complex (to be honest, I labelled most of them as complex, as you can see from the "38" complex sentences I think are in the speech).

Answer 27

2, seems like a compound well, to me, since but is used, and it doesn't seem complexed to me.

Answer 28

same with 3 though, this is a bit tricky, I would think complex, but then it shows junction coordinates.

Answer 29

Yeah, but in a compound sentence, don't the two independent clauses have to be able to stand on their own as a sentence, but can be connected by for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so?

Answer 30

Exactly, that is what is getting me.

Answer 31

I labelled it as complex because I didn't think it'd make sense if it was written as "We observe today not a victory of party. A celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end as well as a beginning--signifying renewal as well as change."

Answer 32

Oh okay :P

Answer 33

True,

Let me check again :P

Answer 34

Ok, lets do this, I pick out all the compound, you complex. (both simple XD)

Answer 35

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.


This goes to you <3...

Answer 36

I labelled that one as complex.

Answer 37

This is what I have:

1
We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom - symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning - signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.

COMPLEX, COMPLEX

2
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe - the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.

SIMPLE, COMPLEX, COMPLEX

3
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans - born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage - and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

SIMPLE, COMPLEX

4
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

COMPLEX

5
This much we pledge - and more.

SIMPLE

6
To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do - for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.

COMPLEX, SIMPLE, COMPOUND


7
To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom - and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.

COMPLEX, SIMPLE, COMPLEX

8
To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required - not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

COMPLEX, COMPLEX

9
To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge - to convert our good words into good deeds - in a new alliance for progress - to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.

COMPLEX, COMPLEX, COMPLEX, COMPLEX

10
To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support - to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective - to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak - and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.

COMPLEX


ONE SENTENCE

11
Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.

COMPLEX

12
We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.

SIMPLE, COMPLEX

13
But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course - both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.

COMPLEX

14
So let us begin anew - remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.

COMPLEX, SIMPLE, SIMPLE

15
Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

COMPLEX

16
Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms - and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

COMPLEX

17
Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.

COMPLEX, COMPLEX

18
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah - to "undo the heavy burdens ... and to let the oppressed go free."

COMPLEX

19
And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.

COMPLEX

20
All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.

SIMPLE, COMPLEX, SIMPLE

21
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.

COMPLEX, COMPLEX, COMPEX

22
Now the trumpet summons us again - not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are - but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation" - a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.

COMPLEX

23
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

COMPLEX, SIMPLE

24
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility - I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it - and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

COMPLEX, SMPLE, SIMPLE, COMPLEX

25
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.

COMPLEX

26
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

COMPLEX

27
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

COMPLEX, COMPLEX

Answer 38

Is it right? I have no idea. But that's what I got from what I've learned about complex/compound sentences.

Answer 39

Remember that most complexes avoid using and, but, nor, etc.

Answer 40

They normally have commas though.. Checking, seems good so far.

Answer 41

But don't they have one or more dependent clauses? And dependent clauses include: after, as, because, before, if, since, though, until, when, while, etc. So I have a hard time deciphering the sentence type :/

Answer 42

would atleast change one to compound in 1, that last one highly sounds like a compound. (So many compound complexes -_-)

Answer 43

"With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."

This one?

Answer 44

no, the other. That ones seems as it was a complex over a compound. I mean it only includes one and.

Answer 45

Okay, so this one? "Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you."

Answer 46

I believe so. (Man, your teacher had to pick tricky ones. Why not obvious :D?)

Answer 47

I know >_< The other questions aren't that bad (there's 22 in total) but this one just confused me, obviously :P

Answer 48

Thank you for your help, by the way!! I really appreciate it :D

Answer 49

I know right, thanks! Look at this for more guidance, because I am not fully aware on this one.

http://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/complex-sentences.html

Answer 50

26 compoundcough

Answer 51

Okay, thanks! Did the other ones look correct? I don't really think I'll get this one 100% correct so I'm not that crazy about it, but I just wanted to know if it looks correct for the most part.

Answer 52

Yes, however, keep in mind some can be compound as well as complex, mos are compound complex. Not 100% sure, remember.

Answer 53

I will, thank you! :)