Sentence Types: Simple Sentence Compound Sentence Complex Sentence Compound-Complex Sentence
Sentence Types: Simple Sentence Compound Sentence Complex Sentence Compound-Complex Sentence
Types
• SIMPLE SENTENCE
• COMPOUND
SENTENCE
• COMPLEX SENTENCE
• COMPOUND-
COMPLEX SENTENCE
A simple sentence has the most basic
elements that make it a sentence: a
subject, a verb, and a completed thought.
While coordinating conjunctions can indicate some type of relationship between the two
independent clauses in the sentence, they sometimes do not indicate much of a relationship.
The word "and," for example, only adds one independent clause to another, without indicating
how the two parts of a sentence are logically related.
Too many compound sentences that use "and" can weaken writing.
Compound Sentences
Tip: If you rely heavily on compound
sentences in an essay, you should
consider revising some of them into
complex sentences (explained below).
Compound
Sentences
Clearer and more specific relationships
can be established through the use of
complex sentences.
A complex sentence is made up of
an independent clause and one or
more dependent clauses
connected to it.
Complex
Sentences
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 of dependent clauses include the following:
- because Aina and Nurin arrived at the bus station before noon
- while he waited at the train station
- after they left on the bus
1 2 3
Because Selvi and Vini While he waited at After they left on the
arrived at the bus the train station, Fakri bus, Selvi and Vini
station before noon, I realized that the train realized that was
did not see them at was late. waiting at the train
the station. station.
Complex Sentences
The word "before," for instance, tells readers that one thing
occurs before another.