Note 02: Types of Sentence Structure

Grade: 6

Sentence structure refers to the arrangement of words and phrases within a sentence,
determining the organization and relationship of the contents within a sentence. By
observing the words used to build a sentence, we can identify different types of
sentence structure, such as simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex
sentences.

1) Simple Sentences: A simple sentence (also called an independent clause)

contains a subject and a verb, and it expresses a complete thought.

Example: “My sister plays basketball.”

“The man is running down the street.”
“We need some rest.”

2) Compound Sentences: A compound sentence is a sentence that contains two or

more simple sentences (main clauses / independent clauses) linked together by
a coordinating conjunction, a semi-colon, or a conjunctive adverb.

Tip: The most efficient way to identify a compound sentence is by identifying its
two main clauses; the presence of a coordinating conjunction is not always a
proof that the sentence is a compound sentence.

There are three ways to link the main clauses in order to form a compound
sentence:
a) By using a coordinating conjunction (acronym/short form: FANBOYS).
b) By using a semi-colon.
c) By using a conjunctive adverb.
a) By using a coordinating conjunction (acronym/short form: FANBOYS).
FANBOYS - for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Example: “The boys wanted to go to the park, but the girls wanted to go
shopping.”
“Diana didn’t submit her homework, nor did she complete her
project.”
“We were very late, so we had to order an Uber.”

Notice that all the examples contain two main clauses and a coordinating
conjunction.

Look at these sentences:

“I will buy chocolate and ice-cream.”

“She sings and dances.”
“It was sunny yet cold.”

Though containing a coordinating conjunction, these sentences are simple

sentences, for they have only one main clause.

b) By using a semi-colon.

Example: “There are many birds in the sky; all of them are white.”
“She loves playing soccer; he prefers basketball.”
“I finished my homework; I can play video games now.”

Notice that in the case of using a semi-colon, the two clauses must be related.

c) By using a conjunctive adverb.

Example: “They practiced their dance routine all week; therefore, their
performance was flawless.”
“She studied hard for the test; consequently, she earned an A.”
“The team won the championship; hence, they celebrated with a
victory party.”
3) Complex Sentences: A complex sentence is a sentence that consists of an
independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. These sentences are
created by using subordinating conjunctions, which introduce the dependent
clauses and establish a relationship between them and the independent clause,
or by using a relative pronoun.

The independent clause in a complex sentence can function as a standalone

sentence, conveying a complete thought. The dependent clauses, on the other
hand, rely on the independent clause to form a complete idea.

There are two common ways to form a complex sentence:

a) By using a subordinating conjunction.
b) By using a relative pronoun.

a) By using a subordinating conjunction.

Example: “Although there was heavy traffic, we managed to arrive early.”

“We would have explained the whole situation if we had been given
a chance.”
“I will call you when I am done with the presentation.”

b) By using a relative pronoun.

Example: “Marie Curie is the woman who discovered radium.”

“I can’t remember the name of the restaurant where we first met.”
“Dr. Richard, whose sister won a Noble prize, teaches us physics.”
4) Compound-Complex Sentences: A compound-complex sentence is a sentence
that consists of at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent
clauses.

Example: “She studied hard for the exam, but she still didn’t get a good grade
because she didn’t understand the material.”
“He finished his work and he submitted it on time even though he
had a busy schedule and had to attend a meeting.”

In Example 1:
○ She studied hard for the exam - Independent Clause
○ She still didn’t get a good grade - Independent Clause
○ Because she didn’t understand the material - Dependent Clause

In Example 2:
○ He finished his work - Independent Clause
○ He submitted it on time - Independent Clause
○ Even though he had a busy schedule - Dependent Clause
○ Had to attend a meeting - Dependent Clause
 Additional Information

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are words and phrases that connect dependent clauses to
independent clauses. In other words, it is a word used to link clauses in a complex
sentence. They usually show a cause-and-effect relationship or a shift in time or place.

List of Subordinating Conjunctions:

- After - If - Till
- Although - In case - Unless
- As - In order that - Until
- As if - In the event that - When
- As long as - Like - Whenever
- As much as - Now since - Where
- As soon as - Now that - Whereas
- As though - Now when - Wherever
- Because - Once - Whether
- Before - Only - Whether or not
- By the time - Only if - While
- Even if - Since - Who
- Even though - So - Whoever
- How - Though
Conjunctive Adverbs

A conjunctive adverb is an adverb (e.g., alternatively, moreover) or adverb phrase (e.g.,

as a result, on the other hand) that connects the ideas in different independent clauses
or sentences. Unlike coordinating conjunctions which link clauses, the main purpose of
conjunctive adverbs is transitioning and describing the relationship between clauses.

The most common uses of conjunctive adverbs are:

○ to show contradictions (however, on the other hand)
○ to continue the same point (additionally, moreover)
○ to introduce examples (for example, for instance)
○ to show cause and effect (consequently, as a result)
○ to add emphasis (in fact, certainly)
○ to show a time relationship (meanwhile, now)
○ to organize a sequence or list (next, finally)

List of Conjunctive Adverbs:

- Accordingly - In addition - On the other

- Additionally - In conclusion hand
- After all - In fact - Otherwise
- Also - In summary - Overall
- Alternatively - In the meantime - Predictably
- Anyway - In the same way - Rather
- As a result - Incidentally - Regardless
- At the same time - Indeed - Secondly
- Besides - Instead - Similarly
- Certainly - Lastly - Since
- Comparatively - Lately - Still
- Consequently - Likewise - Subsequently
- Conversely - Meanwhile - Then
- Definitely - Moreover - Thereby
- Equally important - Namely - Therefore
- Finally - Naturally - Thus
- Firstly - Nevertheless - To sum up
- For example - Next - Typically
- For instance - Nonetheless - Understandably
- Furthermore - Now - Undoubtedly
- Hence - Of course
- However