Learning about different types of English sentences allows language learners to develop their own writing style. Style is the way writing is dressed up (or down) to fit the specific context, purpose, and audience. Word choice, sentence variety, and the writer’s voice — all contribute to the style of a piece of writing. Sentence variety, in particular, helps make one's writing more interesting and smooth. This presentation introduces the first two types of English sentences: simple and compound. The other two types (complex and compound-complex) will be examined in a subsequent presentation.

1. Types of English Sentences 1

2. A sentence is “ a set of
words which gives a
complete thought.”

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

5. Simple Sentence
♦A simple sentence contains a subject and
a predicate.
♦A simple sentence is a single
independent clause.
Subject + Predicate = 1 Independent
Clause
(Simple Sentence)
♦It expresses a single complete thought.

6. Sample Simple Sentences
The cat crept through the dark house.
Jose and Brittany are getting married.
The girl ran into her bedroom.
William waited for the bus.
Yvonne cleans her room and brushes her
teeth every day.
The teacher greeted her class and took
attendance.

7. Compound Sentences
♦A compound sentence contains two independent
clauses.
♦Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or,
yet, and so) join these independent clauses.
(Hint: The conjunctions spell FANBOYS.)
Independent Clause + Coordinating Conjunction +
Independent Clause = Compound Sentence
♦The conjunction used can impact the meaning of
the sentence.

8. Sample Compound Sentences
My husband was working, so I went shopping.
I like chocolate ice cream, but my friend likes
strawberry.
They wanted to go to Italy, for they wanted to
see Venice.
I am on a diet, yet I really want a cookie.
The struggle did not end, nor was it any less
diminished.

9. Test Yourself – Simple or Compound?
1. Mexico has a good team, but they lost the tournament.
2. Juan played football, yet Jim went shopping.
3- Lori did not take the money, for it was not the right thing to do.
4. The island was filled with many trails winding through the thick
underbrush, a small lake, and dangerous wild animals.
5. Jack will have to work hard this semester, or he will not graduate
in May.
6. The teacher walked into the classroom, greeted the students, and
took attendance.