SIMPLE, COMPOUND, COMPLEX, AND COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES

Notes

SIMPLE SENTENCE

• Has 1 independent clause

• May have a compound subject or verb

SIMPLE SENTENCE EXAMPLE #1:

• My report should be longer.

SIMPLE SENTENCE EXAMPLE #2

• Joanna and Anna went to the Stevenson basketball game.

COMPOUND SENTENCE

• Has 2 or more independent clauses (sentences that can stand alone)

• Sentences are combined with a conjunction or a semicolon

COMPOUND EXAMPLE #1

• The sun broke through the clouds, and the children went outside to play.

COMPOUND EXAMPLE #2

• I went to see a movie on Saturday, but my sister had to stay home.

COMPLEX SENTENCE

• Has 1 independent clause (stand alone)

AND

• Has 1 or more dependent (subordinate) clauses (a part that cannot stand alone)

COMPLEX EXAMPLE #1

• If you can help us out, we would be very grateful.

(the dependent/subordinate clause is underlined)

COMPLEX EXAMPLE #2

• Do all your homework, before you go out to play.

(the dependent/subordinate clause is underlined)

COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE

• Has 2 or more independent clauses (stand alone)

AND

• Has 1 or more dependent clauses (a part that cannot stand alone)

COMPOUND-COMPLEX EXAMPLE #1

• [The public address announcer correctly pronounced the player’s difficult name], and [the umpire signaled to the batter] who was standing by the dugout.

(the dependent/subordinate clause is underlined)

(the main clauses are in green brackets)

COMPOUND-COMPLEX EXAMPLE #2

• Although I like to go camping, [I haven't had the time to go lately], and [I haven't found anyone with whom to go.]

(the dependent/subordinate clause is underlined)

(the main clauses are in green brackets)