This document discusses the four main types of sentences in English: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. It provides examples and definitions of each sentence type. Simple sentences contain one independent clause. Compound sentences contain at least two independent clauses joined with coordinating conjunctions or semicolons. Complex sentences contain one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Compound-complex sentences contain at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

1. Four Sentence Types!

2. Types of Sentences
1. Simple
2. Compound
3. Complex
4. Compound-complex

3. #1: Simple Sentence
• A simple sentence has one subject and one
verb
• I like to study grammar.
• A simple sentence is also called an
independent clause.
• An independent clause ends with a period
or semicolon.

4. Simple Sentences
• Examples:
–Carol’s sweater is red.
–You and Alex need to be quiet.
–Ms. Bennett did a cartwheel
and a backflip.

5. #2: Compound Sentence
• A compound sentence is made up of two or
more simple sentences joined by one of the
following:
• A comma and a coordinating conjunction
– I like to study grammar, and I love this class.
• A semicolon
– I like to study grammar; I love this class.
• A semicolon and an adverbial conjunction
– I like to study grammar; therefore, I love this class.

6. Coordinating Conjunctions
• Coordinating Conjunctions are used to join together
two independent clauses.
• Examples:
• For
• And
• Nor
• But
• Or
• Yet
• So

7. Two independent clauses joined together
I love you, and you love me.
Independent clause
Independent clause

8. Semicolons
• “If the relation between the ideas expressed
in the main clauses is very close and
obvious without a conjunction, you can
separate the clauses with a semicolon”
(Little, Brown Handbook, 9th Edition, p. 361).

9. COMPOUND SENTENCE:
SEMICOLON
Kelsey has benefited from her writing
exercises; she has good grammar and
punctuation.
Tiffany works in San Francisco; she
runs The Duck.
Elaine pays attention in class; she
takes copious notes

10. COMPOUND SENTENCE:
adverbial conjunctions
MOREOVER
HOWEVER
NEVERTHELESS
OTHERWISE
THEREFORE

11. COMPOUND SENTENCE:
CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS
Thomas is cool; moreover, he is fashionable
.
Luke’s grandmother buys him sweaters;
however, he does not wear them.
Clause 1 Clause 2
Independent Independent

12. #3: Complex Sentence
• A complex sentence is a simple sentence
(independent clause) to which a part of a
sentence (dependent clause) has been added.
– Because I like to study grammar, I love this class.
– I love this class because I like to study grammar.

13. A dependent clause joined to an independent clause. (The
dependent clause needs the rest of the sentence for
support.)
Because you love me, I love you.
Dependent clause
Independent clause

14. A dependent clause contains a subject and verb. It begins with a subordinating
conjunction, and thus it does not express a completed thought. A dependent clause is also
called a subordinate clause.
Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone.
Because you love me.
Fragment!

15. A Tip on Punctuation
• Since dependent clauses are only part of a
sentence, you can never connect them to
another sentence with a semicolon.
Semicolons are only used between two
independent clauses.
– I have loved you for years ; although I never
admitted it.
– I have loved you for years, although I never
admitted it.
OK
No!

16. Common Subordinating (Dependent)
Conjunctions
after even if now that that where
although even
though
once though whereas
as if rather than unless wherever
as if whenever since until whether
because in order
that
so that when which
before than in case while

17. Complex Sentences
• Examples:
–When Trey was little, he played with
blocks.
–After class, good students study.
–If I pass 1A, I will take 1B.
–Use the stairs in case of fire.
–Ava stands at the bottom of the cliff
while the climber moves up the rock.

18. #4: Compound/Complex Sentence
• A compound/complex sentence is the last and
most complicated type of sentence.
• It contains at least one dependent clause and
at least two independent clauses.

19. A dependent clause added to two or more independent clauses
Because we are a family, I love
you, and you love me.
2 independent clauses
Dependent clause

20. Compound Complex Sentences
Example:
–Laura forgot her friend’s birthday, so she
sent her a card when she finally
remembered.

21. Simple Compound
Complex Compound/
complex
Every sentence in English fits into one of
these four categories,

22. Think You’ve Got It?
• 1 independent clause = simple sentence
– Don’t’ forget: These can have compound subjects and predicates!
• 2 independent clauses = compound sentence
• 1 or more dependent clause + 1 independent clause
= complex sentence
• 2 or more independent clauses + 1 or more dep. clause
= compound complex sentence

23. Let’s Review…

24. Simple, Compound, or Complex?
• The teacher walked into the classroom,
greeted the students, and took attendance.

25. Simple, Compound, or Complex?
• The teacher walked into the classroom,
greeted the students, and took attendance.
• SIMPLE:
– Subject: “the teacher”
– Compound Predicate “walked into the classroom,
greeted the students, and took attendance.”

26. Simple, Compound, or Complex?
• Juan played football while Juanita went
shopping.

27. Simple, Compound, or Complex?
• Juan played football while Juanita went
shopping.
• COMPLEX
– Independent Clause: Juan played football
– Subordinate Clause: while (subordinating
conjunction) Juanita went shopping.

28. Simple, Compound, or Complex?
• Juan played football, yet Juanita went
shopping.

29. Simple, Compound, or Complex?
• Juan played football, yet Juanita went
shopping.
• COMPOUND
– Juan played football, yet (coordinating
conjunction)
– Juanita went shopping.

30. Simple, Compound, or Complex?
• After Reggie passed the test, he went to the
bar to celebrate!

31. Simple, Compound, or Complex?
• After Reggie passed the test, he went to the
bar to celebrate!
• COMPLEX
– After (subordinating conjunction) Reggie passed
the test,
– he went to the bar to celebrate!

32. CONGRATULATIONS!
YOU NOW KNOW EVERYTHING YOU
NEED TO KNOW
• To write anything you want to write
• Any way you want to write it
• And still get the punctuation right
each time!

33. Writing Sentences
Write two of each kind of sentence and post them
for homework. Make the sentences relevant to
your essay #1 outline.
1. Simple
2. Compound
3. Complex
4. Compound-complex