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simple, compound and complex sentences

The document explains the three types of sentence structures in English grammar: simple, compound, and complex sentences. Simple sentences consist of a subject and a verb, compound sentences combine two independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions, and complex sentences include an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Understanding these structures is crucial for effective writing and communication.

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Alberto Emiliano Montoya Olivo
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6 views

simple, compound and complex sentences

The document explains the three types of sentence structures in English grammar: simple, compound, and complex sentences. Simple sentences consist of a subject and a verb, compound sentences combine two independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions, and complex sentences include an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Understanding these structures is crucial for effective writing and communication.

Uploaded by

Alberto Emiliano Montoya Olivo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SIMPLE, COMPOUND AND COMPLEX SENTENCES

DAHIANA LEAL SOTO 1

Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Carretera Transpeninsular, Ensenada-Tijuana,


1

No.3917, Colonia Playitas C.P. 22860


Ensenada, Baja California, México
*[email protected]

Simple, compound, and complex sentences are three types of sentence structures in
English grammar. Each of these structures has its own unique characteristics, and
understanding them is important for effective writing and communication.

SIMPLE SENTENCES

A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a
verb, and a completed thought.

Examples:

1. Joe waited for the train

“Joe” =subject, “waited” =verb

2. The train was late

“The train” =subject, “was” =verb

3. Mary and Samantha took the bus

"Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "took" = verb

4. I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station.

"I" = subject, "looked" = verb

5. Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station early but waited until noon for the
bus.

"Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "arrived" and "waited" = compound


verb

A simple sentence can also be referred to as an independent clause. It is referred to


as "independent" because, while it might be part of a compound or complex sentence, it can
also stand by itself as a complete sentence.
COMPOUND SENTENCES

A compound sentence refers to a sentence made up of two independent clauses (or


complete sentences) connected to one another with a coordinating conjunction.
Coordinating conjunctions are easy to remember if you think of the words "FAN BOYS":

 For
 And
 Nor
 But
 Or
 Yet
 So

Examples:

1. Joe waited for the train, but the train was late.
2. I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station, but they arrived at the station
before noon and left on the bus before I arrived.
3. Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, and they left on the bus
before I arrived.
4. Mary and Samantha left on the bus before I arrived, so I did not see them at the bus
station.

COMPLEX SENTENCES

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and one or more dependent


clauses connected to it. A dependent clause is similar to an independent clause, or complete
sentence, but it lacks one of the elements that would make it a complete sentence.

Examples:

 because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon
 while he waited at the train station
 after they left on the bus

Dependent clauses such as those above cannot stand alone as a sentence, but they can
be added to an independent clause to form a complex sentence.

Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions. Below are some of the most
common subordinating conjunctions:
 after
 although
 as
 because
 before
 even though
 if
 since
 though
 unless
 until
 when
 whenever
 whereas
 wherever
 while

A complex sentence joins an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of sentence structures is essential


for effective communication in English grammar. Simple sentences are straightforward and
concise, while compound and complex sentences add variety and depth to writing. By using
a combination of these structures, writers can convey their ideas clearly and effectively to
their readers. Therefore, developing a strong grasp of sentence structure is an important
skill for anyone who wants to become a proficient writer or communicator in English

References

(S/f). Recuperado el 2 de mayo de 2023, de http://chrome-


extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/http://www.citycollegekolkata.org/onli
ne_course_materials/20210214_Sentence_Types.pdf

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