Sentence Structure Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex

Simple Sentences/Independent Clause Independent clauses can “stand alone.” These make sense if read independently, without any other words. These are also called simple sentences. (Represented by a dad!) Remember – A clause is a group of words that must have a subject and a verb

Examples Kaylee is having a party this weekend. My dog needs to go outside. Richard is her new boyfriend.

Dependent Clauses Dependent clauses cannot stand alone. These are dependent on other words to make sense. (Represented by a child!) Dependent clauses are also called subordinate clauses. They need to be attached to an independent clause in order to be a complete sentence.

Examples When I go to the party. Because his mom said so. Why he said no. Dependent clauses that are not attached to an independent clause become sentence fragments. They are not complete sentences.

Compound Sentences Compound sentences take two independent clauses and put them together using a comma and a subordinating conjunction. IC +, Conj.+ IC = Compound Sentence Subordinating Conjunctions…FANBOYS For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So (Represented by a dad and a mom!)

Examples Kara came to my sleepover, but Natalie did not come to my sleepover. My dog went outside, and I was pulled on her leash. My brother is a good reader, but I am not.

Complex Sentences Complex sentences are made up of one independent clause and one dependent clause. IC + DC = Complex Sentence (Represented by one parent and a child!)

Examples I am wearing a pink tunic when we go to the party. Because he stayed out past curfew, he is grounded. Even though she is lazy, her mother still expects her to do chores.

Compound-Complex Sentences These are the granddaddies of all sentences. A compound-complex sentence is made up of one dependent clause and TWO independent clauses. These are a combination of compound and complex sentences. DC + IC, + Conj.+ IC = Compound-Complex (Represented by a mom, dad, and child!)

Examples Whenever I am tardy to class, I must sign in on a tardy sheet, and I must explain my reasons to Miss Smith. Because it rained on Saturday, I was not able to go to the Aquatic Center, nor was I allowed to walk to Jamie’s house.

Why Do I Need To Know This? To improve your writing by varying your sentences. (Reader’s won’t get bored.) To pass state assessments. To avoid fragments when you need complete sentences! To make your teacher happy.

Check Yourself! Decide what sentence structure is used in the following sentences: 1. Ivy’s cat had four kittens last night in the barn. 2. Barry and Jack played outside in the rain. 3. Diane read the book and watched the movie. 4. My sister walked to the store when school was over. 5. After the dance, we all went out for ice cream. 6. Juan lost his homework, so he had to do it over. 7. Lisa loves pizza, so her dad took her to the best Italian restaurant in town. 8. Before he goes to school, John eats a good breakfast, so he can have energy to focus on his work.

Check Yourself! Decide what sentence structure is used in the following sentences: 1. Ivy’s cat had four kittens last night in the barn. Simple 2. Barry and Jack played outside in the rain. Simple 3. Diane read the book and watched the movie. Simple 4. My sister walked to the store when school was over. Complex 5. After the dance, we all went out for ice cream. Complex 6. Juan lost his homework, so he had to do it over. Compound 7. Lisa loves pizza, so her dad took her to the best Italian restaurant in town. Compound 8. Before he goes to school, John eats a good breakfast, so he can have energy to focus on his work. Compound-complex

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