1. The Four Basic Sentence Structures

2. What Is Sentence Structure?
Sentence structure refers to the kinds and number of clauses a sentence contains.
The four kinds are:
Simple
Compound
Complex
Compound-Complex

3. Types of Clauses
Clause: A word group that contains a verb and its subject. It is used as a sentence or as part of a sentence.
Independent clause: Expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a complete sentence.
Subordinate (or dependent) clause: does not express a complete thought and cannot stand by itself as a complete sentence.

4. Simple Sentences
Simple sentences contain one independent clause and no subordinate clauses.
Examples:
Ernesto has volunteered to organize the recycling campaign.
Beth Heiden and Sheila Young won Olympic medals.
Throughout history, people have invented and used a variety of weapons.

5. Compound Sentences
A compound sentence contains 2 or more independent clauses and no subordinate clauses.
Examples:
According to legend, Betsy Ross made our first flag, but little evidence supports this claim.
Lynn called Marty with the good news; however, he was not at home.
Independent Clauses
Independent clauses in compound sentences may also be joined by a semicolon.

6. Independent Clause (bold)
Complex Sentences
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.
In Gone With the Wind, when Scarlett is faced with near-starvation, she vows that she never will be hungry again.
Subordinate Clause
Subordinate Clause
Independent Clause (bold)

7. Independent Clause (bold)
Complex Sentences
Example:
All of the stars that we can see without a telescope are part of the Milky Way galaxy.
Note that a subordinate clause can appear at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a complex sentence.
Subordinate Clause
Independent Clause (bold)

8. Compound-Complex Sentences
A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least 1 subordinate clause.
Example:
When Bill left, he locked the door, but he forgot to turn off the lights.
Independent Clause (bold)
Independent Clause
Subordinate Clause

9. Compound-Complex Sentences
Example:
Eric likes peas, but Liza prefers green beans when they are steamed.
Independent Clauses (bold)
Subordinate Clause

10. Review Simple Compound Complex Compound-Complex One independent clause
Two independent clauses
One independent clause, one subordinate clause
Two independent clauses, one subordinate clause