There are only four kinds of sentences in the English language; every possible sentence belongs to one of the following four categories:

  1. Simple Sentences
  2. Compound Sentences
  3. Complex Sentences
  4. Compound Complex Sentences

Type One: Simple Sentences

The most basic sentence in the English language, a simple sentence is one complete, independent clause. It contains one subject, has at least one main verb, and must formulate a complete thought.

  • Kevin went to Italy.
  • In June, Kevin went to Italy with his cousin on a summer holiday.
  • Every morning in summer, rain falls on the field of golden corn behind his farmhouse in the country.

Simple sentences can have compound subjects:

  • Kevin and his cousin went to Italy.

Simple sentences can have more than one verb:

  • Kevin went to Italy and visited a small town in Cinque Terre.

Type Two: Compound Sentences

Compound sentences consist of two complete, independent clauses connected with punctuation and/or a conjunction/adverb. In other words, a compound sentence is two simple sentences linked to form one complete sentence. There are three ways to form a compound sentence:

Option A: Comma and a coordinating conjunction (and/but/or/so/for/yet/nor)

  • I’ve had a very long day, so I’m going to bed.
  • A promotion at work can come with the stress of added responsibilities, but it can also be very rewarding.

Sentence Structure - Option A:

Independent Clause ,and
,but
,so
,or
,for
,nor
,yet		 Independent Clause

Option B: Semi-colon (;)

Two independent clauses that are clearly related can be joined with just a semi-colon rather than a conjunction.

  • I’ve washed the dishes every day this week; today it is your turn.
  • The storm was very destructive; many people lost their homes.

When using only a semi-colon, be sure that the relation between the two clauses is clear. Contrasting two ideas with only a semi-colon can sometimes be confusing.

Unclear:

  • The city’s football team has the most loyal fans in the league; they haven’t won a match in months.

In such cases, it would be clearer to use Option A or Option C.

Sentence Structure - Option B:

Independent Clause ; Independent Clause

Option C: Semi-colon and Conjunctive Adverb

  • Jason passed the exam; however, he is not completely satisfied with his test results.
  • Many people lost their homes in the storm; therefore, they were forced to rebuild

Sentence Structure - Option C:

Independent Clause ; also
; as a result,
; besides,
; consequently,
; finally,
; furthermore,
; however,
; in addition,
; in fact,
; instead,
; likewise,
; meanwhile,
; moreover,
; nevertheless,
; next
; now
; on the other hand,
; otherwise,
; similarly,
; still
; then
; therefore,
; thus		 Independent Clause

So when writing compound sentences, you have options and should try to vary your sentences:

  • Sam did very well on the exit exam, so he was able to attend the university of his choice.
  • Sam did very well on the exit exam; he was able to attend the university of his choice.
  • Sam did very well on the exit exam; therefore, he was able to attend the university of his choice.

Review - Combining Sentences (Part 1)

Shaun explains how to combine sentences

Review - Combining Sentences (Part 1)

Shaun explains how to combine sentences

Type Three: Complex Sentences

Complex sentences consist of one independent clause, known as the main clause, and one or more dependent clauses. A dependent clause is a group of words which has a subject and a verb but is not a complete idea and cannot exist alone, for example, “after I finish my homework.”

  • I slipped and fell on the ice when I was walking home from school.
  • I slipped and fell on the ice when I was walking home from school.
  • When I was walking home from school, I slipped and fell on the ice.

Note that these clauses can come in either order, but that punctuation is different.

  • Because Kevin had limited experience, the company was hesitant to hire him.
  • The company was hesitant to hire Kevin because he had limited experience.

Option 1:

Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

Option 2:

Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause

Common subordinating conjunctions that begin a dependent clause:

  • although
  • as
  • after
  • because
  • before
  • if
  • since
  • though
  • unless
  • until
  • whereas
  • when
  • whether
  • while

Type Four: Compound-Complex Sentences

A Compound-Complex sentence is exactly what it sounds like; it is a combination of Type Two and Type Three:

  • Compound
    • Children can be influenced by what they see; therefore, it is important for parents to communicate with their children about the television programs they watch.
  • Complex
    • When young people are exposed to violence on television, they can be influenced by what they see.
  • Compound-Complex
    • When young people are exposed to violence on television, they can be influenced by what they see; therefore, it is important for parents to communicate with their children about the programs they watch.

Compound-Complex sentences must consist of at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

  • The company was hesitant to hire Andrew because he had limited experience; however, they decided to give him the opportunity based on his academic transcript and references.

Review - Combining Sentences (Part 2)

Shaun explains how to combine sentences

Review - Combining Sentences (Part 2)

Shaun explains how to combine sentences

Exercise

Using what you have learned, complete the activity.

keyboard_arrow_up