1. The Four Types of Sentences
Simple
Compound
Complex
Compound-Complex

2. What is an independent clause?
An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence. (
Example:
The bird flew away from its nest.
(subject) (verb)

3. What is a dependent clause?
A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word. (
Example:
When the bird flew away from its nest,…
(subject) + (verb) but an incomplete thought!

4. Dependent Marker Words
A dependent marker word is a word added to the beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause. (
Common Dependent Marker Words
after although as as if
because before even if/though if
in order to since though unless
until whatever when whenever
whether while

5. Simple Sentence
A simple sentence consists of ONE independent clause (ONE subject, ONE verb).
Examples:
The choir sang.
The choir sang beautifully on Christmas morning.
The choir sang beautifully on Christmas morning even without their star soprano.

6. Compound Sentence
Two or more independent clauses connected by a conjunction or a semi-colon.
Examples:
The choir sang, and the musicians accompanied them.
The star soprano was sick, but the show went on without her.
The performance was outstanding; it was one of the best ever!

7. Complex Sentence
ONE independent clause + AT LEAST ONE dependent clause
Examples:
The bird flew away from its nest when it detected a predator.
While the cake was baking, the children decorated the house for the party.

8. Compound-Complex Sentence
TWO (or more) independent clauses + AT LEAST ONE dependent clause
Examples:
Although I enjoy reading, it has been awhile since I had time to finish a book; I am always at work!
First, you need to take a quiz, and before you leave today, you need to turn in your paper.