Kinds of Sentences Presented by Andrea Wright 1

Simple Sentence A simple sentence has one independent clause (IC). Soccer is the most popular sport. 2

Ex. Simple Sentences Ancient China had a form of soccer. Most countries today have a national soccer team. Many people are soccer fans. Soccer games are usually fast paced. 3

Simple Sentence with Phrases There may be one or more phrases within an IC. Remember a phrase is a group of words without a subject and a verb (predicate). A phrase is not a clause. For example, a prepositional phrase may be nestled within an IC. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. People in ancient China had a form of soccer. Most countries around the globe have a national soccer team. 4

Compound Sentence A compound sentence has two independent clauses (IC). Each clause may be combined with a semicolon (;) OR a comma + coordinating conjunction (, and). Remember the acronym. For And Nor But Or Yet So 5

Ex. Compound Sentences IC, conjunction IC Modern soccer is the most popular game in Mexico, yet it has a longer history in England. In the Middle Ages, goals were set at the opposite end of the town, and people would play on each side. Note: Prepositional phrases may be nestled in the clauses. 6

Complex Sentences A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one (or more) dependent clauses. The dependent clauses begin with a coordinating/subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun. When you analyze a sentence, put a box around the dependent clause. (You) 7

Ex. Complex Sentences While people in ancient China had a form of soccer, it quickly spread to other countries. Most countries around the globe have a national soccer team because international competitions are great. The people who lived in Medieval towns set goals at both ends of the village. As they played, games often became full brawls. 8

Compound Complex Sentences A compound-complex sentence consists of two (or more) independent clauses and one (or more) dependent clauses. Albert joined a soccer team, and Robert, who was his brother, tried out for the team a day later. 9

Ex. Compound-Complex Goals were set at opposite ends of the town, and the people who lived there would play on each side. People in ancient China and Japan had a form of soccer, and even Rome had a game that resembled soccer. The rules of the game were written down in the 1800s, for it was clear how (to penalize) whoever was violent. 10

What kind of sentence is this? Although Mexico has a terrific soccer team, some people prefer to support Argentina. 11 Answer: Complex

What kind of sentence is this? 12 Geraldo worked to perfect his header. Answer: Complex

What kind of sentence is this? All of my friends wanted to play soccer at my house, so they could practice even though I have a small backyard. 13 Answer: Compound-Complex

Citation This lesson has been directly modified from the following source: Brandon, Lee E., and Kelly Brandon. Sentences, Paragraphs, and Beyond: With Integrated Readings. Independence, KY: Heinle & Heinle, Print. The images are clipart. 14