This document defines and provides examples of three types of sentences: simple sentences containing a subject and verb, compound sentences combining two independent clauses, and complex sentences containing one independent clause and one dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction. Examples are given for each sentence type to illustrate their distinguishing features. Readers are asked to identify subjects, verbs, conjunctions, and dependent clauses in examples.

1. Three Sentence Types
Level 1 Composition
Fall 2013
Jessica Montgomerie

3. 1. Simple Sentence
A simple sentence – or independent clause—
contains at least one subject and one verb.
Copy these examples:
 She is a teacher.
 After lunch, she plans her lessons for the
next day.
Find the subject and the verb.

4. 1. Simple Sentence
A simple sentence – or independent clause—
contains at least one subject and one verb.
• She is a teacher.
• After lunch, she plans her lessons for the next
day.

5. Compound subjects, verbs, or objects:
Copy these examples:
• My husband and I drink coffee in the
afternoon.
• My husband and I drink coffee and eat dates in
the afternoon.
• Do you prefer coffee or tea?

6. Compound subjects, verbs, or objects:
• My husband and I drink coffee in the
afternoon.
• My husband and I drink coffee and eat dates in
the afternoon.
• Do you prefer coffee or tea?

7. 2. Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is two simple
sentences (independent clauses) combined
with a conjunction.
Which words are conjunctions?

9. 3. Complex Sentence
A complex sentence contains two
clauses: the main, independent
clause and a weaker, dependent
clause.

10. Independent Clause
• This is the main part of the sentence.
• It can stand by itself– it is a complete idea.

11. Dependent Clause
• Begins with a subordinator (because, when,
before, after)
• Gives me more information about the main
clause
• Tells me the time or reason

12. Complex Sentences
Copy these examples:
 When I wake up, I eat breakfast first.
 Then I like to sit and drink coffee while I
check Facebook.
Underline the
dependent clause.

13. Complex Sentences
Underline the
dependent clause.
• When I wake up, I eat breakfast first.
• Then I like to sit and drink coffee while I
check Facebook.

14. Complex Sentences
Copy these examples:
After I finish my coffee, I take a shower and
get dressed.
 I usually hurry to get ready because I waste
too much time on the internet.
Underline the
dependent clause.

15. Complex Sentences
Underline the
dependent clause.
• After I finish my coffee, I take a shower and
get dressed.
• I usually hurry to get ready because I waste
too much time on the internet.

16. Practice
1. Complete the sentences with because:
– You need to buy a warm coat…
– She can’t buy a car…
– I came to the U.S. to study…
2. Write your own sentences using because.