Sentence Structure: Simple, Compound, Complex, Compound-Complex
Understanding sentence structure helps in constructing clear, varied, and precise sentences.
Below is a detailed breakdown of each type of sentence structure:
1. Simple Sentences
A simple sentence consists of one independent clause (a group of words with a subject and a
predicate that expresses a complete thought). It is the most basic sentence structure.
• Key Components:
o Subject: The noun or pronoun the sentence is about.
o Predicate: The verb or action in the sentence.
o Object: Sometimes a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb
(not always present).
• Examples:
o The dog barked.
(Subject = "The dog," Predicate = "barked")
o I read books every day. (Subject = "I," Predicate = "read books every day")
o She smiled. (Subject = "She," Predicate = "smiled")
• Characteristics:
o Contains only one independent clause.
o Can be short or more detailed but has only one subject and one verb group.
2. Compound Sentences
A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses, joined together by a
coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon.
• Key Components:
o Two independent clauses that are related in meaning and joined with a
conjunction or punctuation.
o Each clause can stand alone as a simple sentence.
• Examples:
o I wanted to go to the beach, but it started raining.
(Independent clause 1 = "I wanted to go to the beach," Independent clause 2
= "it started raining," joined by "but")
o She loves painting, and he enjoys writing.
(Independent clause 1 = "She loves painting," Independent clause 2 = "he
enjoys writing," joined by "and")
o He studied hard; she passed the exam.
(Independent clause 1 = "He studied hard," Independent clause 2 = "she
passed the exam," joined by a semicolon)
• Characteristics:
o Contains at least two independent clauses.
o Can be joined by coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or,
yet, so) or a semicolon.
o Each clause is complete on its own but is related to the other(s).
3. Complex Sentences
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent
(subordinate) clause. A dependent clause cannot stand alone and is connected to the
independent clause using subordinating conjunctions like because, although, while, if, when, etc.
• Key Components:
o Independent Clause: A complete thought that can stand alone.
o Dependent Clause: An incomplete thought that cannot stand alone; it
depends on the independent clause.
o Subordinating Conjunction: A word or phrase that connects the dependent
clause to the independent clause (e.g., because, although, since, when,
while).
• Examples:
o I stayed home because it was raining.
(Independent clause = "I stayed home," Dependent clause = "because it was
raining")
o Although he was tired, he finished his homework.
(Independent clause = "he finished his homework," Dependent clause =
"Although he was tired")
o She smiled when she heard the news.
(Independent clause = "She smiled," Dependent clause = "when she heard
the news")
• Characteristics:
o Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
o The dependent clause cannot stand alone.
o Common subordinating conjunctions: because, although, if, unless, when,
while, after, before, since, etc.
4. Compound-Complex Sentences
A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and at least one
dependent clause. It combines elements of both compound and complex sentences.
• Key Components:
o Independent Clauses: Can stand alone as sentences.
o Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone and relies on an independent
clause.
o Coordinating Conjunctions and Subordinating Conjunctions.
• Examples:
o I wanted to go to the park, but it was raining, so I stayed inside.
(Independent clause 1 = "I wanted to go to the park," Independent clause 2 =
"I stayed inside," Dependent clause = "but it was raining")
o Although I love music, I cannot play any instruments, and my brother is a
great guitarist.
(Independent clause 1 = "I cannot play any instruments," Independent clause
2 = "my brother is a great guitarist," Dependent clause = "Although I love
music")
o She went to the store, and he finished his work after she left.
(Independent clause 1 = "She went to the store," Independent clause 2 = "he
finished his work," Dependent clause = "after she left")
• Characteristics:
o Contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent
clause.
o The dependent clause adds more detail or context to the independent
clauses.
o Can be joined by both coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
Summary of Differences
Independent Dependent
Sentence Type Common Connectors
Clauses Clauses
Simple 1 0 None
Coordinating Conjunctions
Compound 2+ 0
(FANBOYS) or Semicolons
Subordinating Conjunctions
Complex 1 1+
(because, although, if, etc.)
Independent Dependent
Sentence Type Common Connectors
Clauses Clauses
Compound- Coordinating & Subordinating
2+ 1+
Complex Conjunctions
