Sentence Types

#1: Simple Sentence A simple sentence has one subject and one verb I like to study grammar. A simple sentence is also called an independent clause. An independent clause ends with a period or semicolon. #1: Simple Sentence

I love you. Simple sentence One subject I love you. One verb Independent clause: only one subject and one verb

I love and hate you. Simple sentence One subject I love and hate you. Two verbs Independent clause: only one subject and two verbs

Mom and Dad love you. Simple sentence Two subjects Mom and Dad love you. One verb Independent clause: two subjects and one verb

A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences joined by one of the following: A comma and one of the FANBOYS I like to study grammar, and I love this class. A semicolon I like to study grammar; I love this class. A semicolon and a transitional I like to study grammar; therefore, I love this class. #2: Compound Sentence

I love you, and you love me. Compound sentence Independent clause I love you, and you love me. Independent clause Two independent clauses joined together with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)

Two independent clauses joined together with a semicolon Compound sentence Independent clause I love you; you love me. Independent clause Two independent clauses joined together with a semicolon

I love you; therefore, you love me. Compound sentence Independent clause I love you; therefore, you love me. Independent clause Two independent clauses joined together with a semicolon, transitional expression, and a comma

Test yourself – Simple or Compound The teacher walked into the classroom, greeted the students, and took attendance. Simple None of us knew our lines; nevertheless, the show opened successfully on Friday. Compound Michael and Josh walked around the park and had a picnic.

Test yourself – Simple or Compound Friday night we can go bowling or go to the movies. Simple Taming a cobra is dangerous, yet it is not as dangerous as being a teacher. Compound Take your jacket along for the rain and cold. The team was second in the standings; they had to win three games to move to first place.

A complex sentence is a simple sentence (independent clause) to which a part of a sentence (dependent clause) has been added. Because I like to study grammar, I love this class. I love this class because I like to study grammar. #3: Complex Sentence

Because you love me, I love you. Complex sentence Dependent clause Because you love me, I love you. Independent clause A dependent clause joined to an independent clause. (The dependent clause needs the rest of the sentence for support.)

Fragment! Because you love me. Dependent clause A dependent clause contains a subject and verb. It begins with a subordinating conjunction, and thus it does not express a completed thought. A dependent clause is also called a subordinate clause. Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone.

Complex sentences should be punctuated in one of two ways: INDEPENDENT CLAUSE dependent clause (no comma) We left class early so that we could attend a special lecture. Dependent clause, INDEPENDENT CLAUSE (comma) So that we could attend a special lecture, we left class early.

Dependent Clauses - beginning Choose two of the subordinating clauses below and create two complex sentences using the dependent clauses at the beginning After I studied for the test, Although I studied for the test, Since I studied for the test, Because I studied for the test, Whenever I studied for the test, As long as I studied for the test, While I studied for the test,

Dependent Clauses - End Choose two of the subordinating clauses below and create two complex sentences using the dependent clauses at the end …after I studied for the test …although I studied for test …since I studied for the test …because I studied for the test …whenever I studied for the test …as long as I studied for the test …while I studied for the test

Common Subordinating (Dependent) Conjunctions after even if now that that where although even though once though whereas as if rather than unless wherever as if whenever since until whether because in order so that when which before than in case while

#4: Compound/Complex Sentence A compound/complex sentence is the last and most complicated type of sentence. It contains at least one dependent clause and at least two independent clauses. #4: Compound/Complex Sentence

Compound complex sentence Dependent clause Because we are a family, I love you, and you love me. 2 independent clauses A dependent clause added to two or more independent clauses

Compound-Complex Sentences Although thought to be indestructible, the World Trade Center fell on September 11, 2001, and that forever changed the country. The terrible rumors were spread by a journalist who wanted to ruin her career, but instead it only made her stronger. Compound-Complex Sentences

Compound Complex Sentence Create a compound-complex sentence by adding a compound sentence to the dependent clauses below (these may be at the beginning or at the end) after I studied for the test although I studied for the test since I studied for the test because I studied for the test whenever I studied for the test as long as I studied for the test, while I studied for the test,

Since every sentence in English fits into one of these four categories, Simple Compound Complex Compound/ complex

Look at this paragraph with many independent clauses joined with coordinating conjunctions: I went home, but my roommate wasn't there, so I started to cook dinner, but my roommate came in and saw me trying to cook his favorite recipe, but I didn't really know how to make it well, and he got really angry, so I stopped cooking, and he made dinner for us, and then everything was all right.

The independent clauses are underlined, and the coordinating conjunctions are in bold: 1 went home, but my roommate wasn't there, so I started to cook dinner, but my roommate came in and saw me trying to cook his favorite recipe, but I didn't really know how to make it well, and he got really angry, so I stopped cooking, and he made dinner for us, and then everything was all right.

This is better! Notice how it makes use of a variety of sentence structures. When I went home, my roommate wasn't there, so I started to cook dinner. Then, my roommate came in and saw me trying to cook his favorite recipe even though I didn't know how to make it well. I stopped cooking because he got really angry. In the end, he made dinner for us, and everything was all right.

Test yourself – Simple, Compound, Complex, or Compound, Compound-Complex Although it is January, the weather is beautiful, and I would like to go hiking. Compound-Complex Juan played football while Jane went shopping. Complex Juan played football, yet Jim went shopping. Compound

Test yourself – Simple, Compound, Complex, or Compound, Compound-Complex Although Mexico has a better team, they lost the tournament, and their more aggressive style did not pay off. Compound-Complex If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it. Complex Successful athletes often inspire others because they serve as role models.