Types of sentences:
Simple, Compound and Complex
The Simple Sentence:
A simple sentence includes a subject, a verb and a complete thought.
Examples:
s.

v.
Bartholomew and Zelda both have a chameleon named Otis.
s.

In the trash can, Joaquin found a perfectly good pair of plaid trousers.
s.

v.
v.
Zeek keeps a sword and shield on hand for use during a surprise zombie apocalypse.
Reminder:
When a sentence is missing a subject, verb or does not express a complete thought, it is called a
fragment.
*** Fragments are to be avoided since they are not grammatically correct.***
Examples:
 Jumping up and down repeatedly.
 While you were snoring.
 Just as Kyle was getting ready to call his mother and explain what really happened.
 For example, the character’s unusually large nose.
The Compound Sentence:
A compound sentence is when 2 simple sentences are joined together to create one sentence.
There are 5 types of connectors to choose from to create compound sentences:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
a semi-colon
a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
a correlative conjunction
an adverbial connector
a compound connector
1) Using a semi-colon ( ; )
Aside from the end-of-sentence period, it is the only punctuation that can join 2
sentences by itself. It is most likely the most simple of all connectors, but when it is
overused, it becomes boring.
Examples:
simple sentence

connector
+
simple sentence
The Outsiders was written by S. E. Hinton; it was such an amazing book!
simple sentence

+
+
connector
+
simple sentence
Cacti are a weird kind of house plant; I don’t understand why people have them.
2) Using a coordinating conjunction (for, and nor but, or, yet, so = FANBOYS)
When joining 2 simple sentences with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is placed
before the conjunction.
Examples:
simple sentence

+
+
simple sentence
My hamster’s name was Squeakers, and he died when I was 8 years old.
simple sentence

connector
+
connector
+
simple sentence
Prom is right around the corner, yet not many people are excited.
Please note:
Coordinating conjunctions can be used for reasons other than connecting 2 sentences. They can also
connect 2 words, names, ideas, etc. In this case, no comma is needed.
Examples:
 The iTunes store is having a sale on alternative and rock albums! (No comma is needed since “rock
albums” is not a simple sentence.)
 Max and Nick have been dating for 2 and a half years. (No comma is needed since “Max” is not a
simple sentence.)
 At the buffet, she inhaled so much food that she had to be rolled out the door. (No comma is
needed since “much food that she had to be rolled out the door” is not a simple sentence.)
3) Using correlative conjunctions (either… or / neither… nor / not only… but also)
When connecting 2 ideas with a correlative conjunction, you need to place a comma
before the conjunction, just like you did with coordinating conjunctions.
Examples:
simple sentence

+
connector
+
simple sentence
You may either have a pet axolotl, or you may have an aye-aye.
simple sentence

+
connector
+
simple sentence
Not only did that cat throw up a hairball on my shoes, but it also peed on my jeans.
4) Using an adverbial connector (also, besides, consequently, finally, furthermore, hence,
however, meanwhile, moreover, next, nonetheless, similarly, therefore, thus, etc.)
Adverbial connectors are a great way to substitute simple coordinating conjunctions for
more “mature” expressions. They tend to make student papers sound more sophisticated
and formal; however, like any other type of connector, they must not be overused. They
always require a semi-colon ( ; ) before the connector and a comma after the connector.
Examples:
simple sentence

connector
+
simple sentence
Sushi is currently very trendy; consequently, more and more people are trying it.
simple sentence

+
+
connector
+
simple sentence
Apple wants to make money; therefore, new iPhone models are released frequently.
5) Using a compound connector (as a matter of fact, on the contrary, as a result, in fact, on
the other hand, in the meantime, etc.)
Compound connectors are used and punctuated exactly the same way as adverbial
connectors. They always require a semi-colon ( ; ) before the connector and a comma
after the connector.
Examples:
simple sentence

connector
+
simple sentence
Class is nearly over; as a matter of fact, it ends in 15 minutes.
simple sentence

+
+
connector
+
simple sentence
Ninjas are awesome; as a result, they impress many people.
The Complex Sentence:
To understand the structure of a complex sentence, you must first understand what a clause is.
Clauses:
A clause is a group of words containing a verb and its subject.
According to this definition, you should understand that a simple sentence is a clause. However, this
may become confusing, so it may help you to think of a clause as a group of words within a sentence.
Certain clauses can stand alone. Such a clause is called a main clause or an independent clause. Is can
stand by itself as a sentence.
Examples:
 Keith ran in the marathon.
 Many stores have clearance sales.
Others, called subordinate clauses or dependent clauses, are clauses that cannot stand alone. They are
not complete sentences. They often begin with words like:
after although as if since
because before while unless
whenever where
if
etc.
Examples:
 If you sign the contract.
 Before the gates open.
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one main clause and one or more subordinate
clauses.
complex sentence = main clause + subordinate clause(s)
Subordinate clauses can act as adjectives, adverbs or nouns in a sentence.
1) The subordinate adjective clause
This type of subordinate clause is used just like an adjective is used in a sentence; it
modifies a noun or a pronoun called an antecedent.
Examples:
 The man who lives across the street won 1st prize in the contest.
 The Hunger Games trilogy, which was written by Veronica Roth, tells a fine story.
Restrictive and non-restrictive clauses:
You probably noticed that in the examples above, one sentence has no commas while the other has
commas. This is because one clause is restrictive and the other is non-restrictive.
Restrictive clauses:
 No commas are used; the clause contains necessary information to help clarify the antecedent.
Non-restrictive clauses:
 Commas are necessary; the clause gives additional information that is not necessary.
2) The subordinate adverb clause
This type of clause is used just like an adverb is used in a sentence; it modifies a verb, an
adjective or another adverb.
Punctuation:
A comma is only used if the adverb clause begins the sentence.
Examples:
 When you leave, turn off the lights.
 Turn off the lights when you leave.


Because it was raining, the concert was cancelled.
The concert was cancelled because it was raining.