Sentence Types

Sentence Types Simple Compound Complex Compound-complex

Simple Sentence Consists of a subject and a verb Must make sense by itself Can have multiple subjects and verbs Also known as Complete sentence Main clause Independent clause

Simple Sentence: Contains one main clause and no other clauses Maria registered for all of her classes by mail. Brad was not able to register for his classes by mail.

Compound Sentence Coordinating conjunction: FANBOYS Semicolon The boys played basketball, and the girls played soccer. Semicolon Maria attends Pepperdine University; Jesse attends UCLA Conjunctive Adverb: HOTSHOTCAT Jose wanted to surf; however, he did not know how to swim.

Compound Sentence Contains two or more main clauses but no subordinate clauses. Maria registered for all of her classes by mail, but Brad was not able to do so. Maria registered for all of her classes by mail; Brad was not able to do so. Maria registered for all of her classes by mail; however, Brad was not able to do so.

Complex Sentence Complete sentence + Subordinate clause I went to see a movie even though I was tired. Subordinate clause + Complete sentence Even though I was tired, I went to see a movie.

Complex Sentence Contains only one main clause and always contains at least one subordinate clause and sometimes more than one subordinate clause. Because she does not have reliable transportation, Maria registered for all of her classes by mail. Even though Brad chose his classes weeks in advance, he was not able to register by mail.

Compound-Complex Sentence Contains two or more main clauses and one or more subordinate clauses. Because she does not have reliable transportation, Maria registered for all of her classes by mail, but Brad was not able to do so. Maria registered for all of her classes by mail because she does not have reliable transportation; however, Brad was not able to do so.

Why vary your sentences? Engages the reader Creates a rhythm and pace for the reader Emphasizes or de-emphasizes information Showcases the writer’s ability

Practice identifying sentence types A strange cat with a wide grin smiled at Alice. Simple The young woman that was sitting next to me was unhappy about the judge’s decision, but she did not speak up. Compound complex At noon, Rover scratched his fleas and looked at Homer. I want you to memorize the poem that will be recited at the reading. Complex

More practice Most of the rotten eggs missed the actors, but one hit the orchestra. Compound Because the weather along the coast was cold and rainy, we spent the day in the desert. Complex When he had finished the test, Ernie ate a gallon of chocolate ice cream, and Sandra drank a chocolate shake. Compound complex A lion, a tiger, and a bear appeared on stage. Simple

Even more practice. Saul’s car started to fall apart after the mechanic adjusted the carburetor. Complex When his computer crashed for the third time, Bill began to weep, and his mother tried to console him. Compound complex Sylvia who is my sister’s best friend set out to find a red rose. The rum was aboard, and the harpoons were sharp, but Ahab hesitated. Compound

What are the four sentence Types Simple Compound Complex Compound-complex Questions?