Sentence Structure
Definitions
Simple- A complete sentence with a subject and a verb without a conjunction.
Compound - Two independent clauses joined together with a coordinating conjunction.
Complex - An independent clause and a dependent clause joined together with a subordinating conjuntion.
Compound-complex - Two independent and at least one dependent clause joined together.
Examples
simple- Sam ate his breakfast. subject (Sam) verb (ate)
compound- I like apples, but I prefer oranges. I like apples(independent clause 1) I prefer oranges(independent clause 2) but(conjunction)
complex- Although he went to the library, he forgot to return his library book. Although (conjunction) Although he went to the library. (dependent clause) he forgot to return his library book. (independent clause)
compound complex- Because I am sick, I can't go to school today, but I have a test today. Because (conjunction) Because I am sick (dependent clause) I can't go to school today.(independent clause 1) but (conjunction) I have a test today (independent clause 2)
Words to know
independent clause- a clause with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought.
dependent clause- a clause with a subject and a verb that does not express a complete thought.
coordinating conjunction- a word that connects two independent clauses
subordinating conjunction - a word that connects an independent clause and a dependent clause.
Simple- A complete sentence with a subject and a verb without a conjunction.
Compound - Two independent clauses joined together with a coordinating conjunction.
Complex - An independent clause and a dependent clause joined together with a subordinating conjuntion.
Compound-complex - Two independent and at least one dependent clause joined together.
Examples
simple- Sam ate his breakfast. subject (Sam) verb (ate)
compound- I like apples, but I prefer oranges. I like apples(independent clause 1) I prefer oranges(independent clause 2) but(conjunction)
complex- Although he went to the library, he forgot to return his library book. Although (conjunction) Although he went to the library. (dependent clause) he forgot to return his library book. (independent clause)
compound complex- Because I am sick, I can't go to school today, but I have a test today. Because (conjunction) Because I am sick (dependent clause) I can't go to school today.(independent clause 1) but (conjunction) I have a test today (independent clause 2)
Words to know
independent clause- a clause with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought.
dependent clause- a clause with a subject and a verb that does not express a complete thought.
coordinating conjunction- a word that connects two independent clauses
subordinating conjunction - a word that connects an independent clause and a dependent clause.