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Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

The document explains three types of sentence structures: simple, compound, and complex sentences. Simple sentences contain one independent clause, compound sentences consist of two or more independent clauses joined by conjunctions or semicolons, and complex sentences include one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Understanding these structures enhances writing clarity and effectiveness.

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Elizabeth Gomez
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17 views5 pages

Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

The document explains three types of sentence structures: simple, compound, and complex sentences. Simple sentences contain one independent clause, compound sentences consist of two or more independent clauses joined by conjunctions or semicolons, and complex sentences include one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Understanding these structures enhances writing clarity and effectiveness.

Uploaded by

Elizabeth Gomez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sentence Structures: Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

Understanding sentence structures helps improve writing clarity and effectiveness. Sentences
are categorized into three main types based on their clause structure: simple, compound, and
complex sentences.

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1. Simple Sentences

A simple sentence consists of one independent clause. An independent clause is a group of


words that contains a subject and a predicate (verb) and expresses a complete thought.

Structure:

Subject + Predicate

Examples:

She sings. (Subject: She, Predicate: sings)

The cat sleeps on the sofa. (Subject: The cat, Predicate: sleeps on the sofa)

I love reading books. (Subject: I, Predicate: love reading books)

Key Features:

✔ Contains only one independent clause


✔ Can have a compound subject or compound predicate
✔ Can include modifiers (adjectives, adverbs, etc.)

Examples with Compound Subjects and Predicates:

John and Mary play soccer. (Compound subject: John and Mary)

She danced and sang. (Compound predicate: danced and sang)

Even if a simple sentence is long, it remains "simple" as long as it contains only one
independent clause.
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2. Compound Sentences

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating


conjunction or a semicolon ( ; ).

Structure:

Independent Clause + (Coordinating Conjunction / Semicolon) + Independent Clause

Examples:

I wanted to go outside, but it was raining.

She enjoys playing the piano, and he loves painting.

The sun was shining; the birds were chirping.

Key Features:

✔ Contains two or more independent clauses


✔ Clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or
a semicolon ( ; )
✔ Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence

Examples Using FANBOYS:

I was tired, so I went to bed early.

He loves coffee, but she prefers tea.

They wanted to watch a movie, yet they couldn't decide which one.

Examples Using a Semicolon (;)

She studied hard; she passed the exam.

The weather was cold; we stayed inside.


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3. Complex Sentences

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent
(subordinate) clauses. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and
needs an independent clause to complete its meaning.

Structure:

Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause


OR
Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause + Independent Clause

Examples:

Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.

She didn’t go to the party since she was feeling unwell.

I will call you when I arrive.

Key Features:

✔ Contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses


✔ Uses subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since, while, when, if, until, unless,
before, after, etc.)
✔ The dependent clause cannot stand alone

Examples with Different Subordinating Conjunctions:

Although he was tired, he continued working.

She smiled when she saw her friend.

Before we leave, we need to pack our bags.

Comma Rule for Complex Sentences:

If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma:

"Because it was late, we decided to go home."


If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed:

"We decided to go home because it was late."

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Comparison Summary

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Final Thoughts

Simple sentences express a clear, concise idea.


Compound sentences connect two independent ideas equally.

Complex sentences show relationships between ideas, adding depth.

Mastering these sentence structures helps in writing more varied, clear, and engaging content.

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