Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex Sentences

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence contains one independent clause and expresses a complete thought.

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.

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What is a compound-complex sentence?

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A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb.

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What is a subordinate clause?

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A subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a sentence; it depends on an independent clause to give it meaning.

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Example of a simple sentence.

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The dog barks.

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Example of a compound sentence.

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I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

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Example of a complex sentence.

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Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

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Example of a compound-complex sentence.

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Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we enjoyed it.