2. Types of Sentences
Sentences are classified according to
the number and kinds of clauses they
contain. There are four types:
Simple
Complex
Compound
Compound-Complex
Let’s look at each one of these more closely.
3. Types of Sentences
The Simple Sentence
A simple sentence has only one independent
clause and no subordinate clauses.
The runner won the race easily.
S V DO ADV
4. Types of Sentences
The Compound Sentence
A compound sentence has two or more
independent clauses and no subordinate clauses.
The runner trained for many months, so he won the race easily.
S V DO ADV
S V
ADV
5. Types of Sentences
The Complex Sentence
A complex sentence has one independent clause
and one or more subordinate clauses.
The runner, who had trained for many months, won the race easily.
S V DO ADV
S V
ADV
6. Types of Sentences
The Compound-Complex Sentence
A compound-complex sentence has two independent
clauses and one or more subordinate clauses.
The runner, who had trained for many months, won the race easily,
but she did not attain a personal best.
S V DO ADV
S V
ADV
S V DO
7. Types of Sentences
Type of
sentence
Independent
Clauses
Subordinate
Clauses
Simple One None
Compound Two or more None
Complex One One or more
Compound-
Complex
Two or more One or more
It may be helpful to remember them in this way:
8. Types of Sentences
Identify the sentence type in the following:
She smiled sweetly, and he grinned shyly. Compound
Mary and Tom agreed to meet after school. Simple
I had a poor background, and the subject was quite
difficult; however, the teacher explained the concepts
very clearly. Compound
9. Types of Sentences
Identify the sentence type in the following:
Because the store was closed, we returned home. Complex
Complex
The old prospector was discouraged; however, when I
suggested giving up, he was indignant. Compound-complex
Although my friends were lost for a while, they eventually
found the restaurant that you recommended.