Sentence Structure, Simple and Compound Sentences
dependent clause
A clause in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and that functions within the sentence as a noun or adjective or adverb
Compound
Is their new baby a girl, or is it a boy?
Compound
It started to rain, so we went inside.
coumpound-complex sentence
Kate doesn't like cartoons because they are loud, so she doesn't watch them.
simple sentence example
Mrs. Mossman, Profe Craig, and I went to the office to make coffee.
Compound
My test was short and easy, but Ali's test was hard.
compound-complex sentence
She likes to sleep in but she can get up early if she has work.
Complex Sentence Example
Since winter break starts the day before Christmas Eve, I will need to get my shopping done early this year.
Complex
The actor was happy he got a part in a movie even though the part was small.
compound-complex sentence
The dog started barking so the cat ran away and I couldn't keep up, so I stopped.
Compound
The phone rang, but I didn't answer it.
Compound
The students were on time, but the teacher was late.
Compound Sentence
Two or more independent clauses joined together by a coordinating (FANBOYS) conjunction
complex
Tyrone gave a sandwich to the homeless man who was scavenging for food in the dumpster
compound-complex sentence
Usually I take a walk every day while the sun sets, but it was raining today.
complex
When she was younger, she believed in fairy tales.
complex sentence
Whenever prices goes up, customers buy less products.
compound-complex sentence
a sentence having two or more coordinate independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
Simple Sentence
an independent clause which includes a subject and a predicate
subordinating conjunction
because, although, since, when, even if, while, and before
independent clause
expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. Has both a subject and a verb.
Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
joins two words or two groups of words together for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
relative pronoun
linked group of words preceding noun or pronoun; examples: who, which, that, whoever, whatever, whichever, and whom
Compound
I waved at my friend, and I smiled at her.
Compound
I waved at my friend, and she waved back.
Compound
I waved at my friend, but she didn't see me.
Complex Sentence
A sentence that includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. It is always composed of a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun at the beginning, followed by the clause itself.
Compound-Complex Sentence Example
After I got home from school, I started to work on my homework, but then my friend came over, and I forgot to finish my math homework.
Compound-Complex Sentence Example
Although I am tired, I cleaned the house, and I finished my homework.
complex
Although it was very long, the movie was still enjoyable.
Compound
Are you going to go shopping, or are you going to study at home?
complex
As she was bright and ambitious, she became a manager in no time.
complex
Because Nicole doesn't like cheese, she never eats pizza.
complex sentence
Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave.
compound-complex sentence
Even though she was tired, Abby knew she had to finish the race and she ran to meet her team.
Compound
I sat down on the sofa, and I opened the newspaper.
Compound
I talked to Amy for a long time, but she didn't listen.
Compound
I talked to Tom for a long time, and I asked him many questions.
Compound Sentence Example
I want to go to Hospitality Night, but I know it will be hard to find parking.
Compound
I wanted a cup of tea, so I heated some water.
Compound
I was hungry, so I ate an apple.
Compound
I was tired, so I went to bed.