This document discusses different types of sentences: simple sentences contain one independent clause; compound sentences contain two independent clauses joined by a coordinator; complex sentences contain one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses; compound-complex sentences contain two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Examples are provided for each sentence type to illustrate their structures.

1. SENTENCE TYPES
Use a variety of sentence types to add style to your writing.

2. S IMPLE SENTENCES
A simple sentence, also called an independent clause,
contains a subject and a verb, and it expresses a
complete thought.
A. Some students like to study in the mornings.
B. Juan and Arturo play football every afternoon.
C. Alicia goes to the library and studies every day.

3. C OMPOUND SENTENCES
A compound sentence contains two independent clauses
joined by a coordinator.
The coordinators are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
(Helpful hint: The first letter of each of the coordinators
spells FANBOYS.)
Except for very short sentences, coordinators are always
preceded by a comma.
A. I tried to speak Spanish, and my friend tried to speak
English.
B. Alejandro played football, so Maria went shopping.
C. Alejandro played football, for Maria went shopping.

4. C OMPLEX SENTENCES
A complex sentence has an independent clause joined by
one or more dependent clauses. A complex sentence
always has a subordinator such as because, since, after,
although, or when such as that, who, or which.
A. When he handed in his homework, he forgot to give
the teacher the last page.
B. The teacher returned the homework after she noticed
the error.
C. The students are studying because they have a test
tomorrow.

5. C OMPLEX SENTENCES ( CONT.)
D. After they finished studying, Juan and Maria went to
the movies.
E. Juan and Maria went to the movies after they
finished studying.
When a complex sentence begins with a subordinator, a
comma is required at the end of the dependent clause.

6. C OMPOUND - COMPLEX SENTENCES
A compound-complex sentence is made from two
independent clauses and one or more dependent
clauses.
A. Although I like to go camping, I haven't had the time
to go lately, and I haven't found anyone to go with.
B. Henrik never should have bought the goat after it
kicked straw in his face, but he wanted to impress
Daphne, who was standing next to him.
C. I admire Tim, but he doesn't admire me, although I
try hard to impress him.

7. S ENTENCE TYPES SUMMARY
Simple sentences contain just one independent clause.
I hate spiders.
Compound sentences contain two or more independent clauses
that are joined by a semicolon or a comma and a coordinating
conjunction (FANBOYS).
I hate spiders; tarantulas are the worst.
I hate spiders, but I do not mind snakes.
Complex sentences contain an independent clause (underlined)
and one or more dependent clauses.
Although I do not mind snakes, I hate spiders.
Compound-complex sentences contain 2 or more independent
clauses (underlined) and one or more dependent clauses.
Although I hate spiders, I do not mind snakes, and I like lizards.