The Four Types of Sentences

SimpleCompoundComplex

Compound-Complex

What is an independent clauseindependent 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.

(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/598/01/)

Example:The bird flew away from its nest. (subject) (verb)

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. (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/598/01/)

Example:

When the bird flew away from its nest,… (subject) + (verb) but an incomplete thought!

Dependent Marker WordsA dependent marker word is a word added to the

beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause. (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/598/01/)

Common Dependent Marker Wordsafter although as as ifbecause before even if/thoughifin order to since thoughunlessuntil whatever when wheneverwhether while

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.

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!

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.

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.