Types of Sentences

Sentence Variety

​Simple Sentences

​It expresses a single complete idea and it can stand on its own.

It is made up of:

• ​An independent clause

​

For example:

I like trains. ​

​Compound Sentences

​It contains 2 independent clauses

They are joined by ​coordinating conjunctions which are preceded by a comma:​

• For

• And

• Nor​

• But

• Or​

• Yet​

• So​​

​Compound Sentences

Sometimes, ​we can substitute the comma and the coordinating conjunction with a semicolon.

For example:

I like trains​ a lot, so I planned a trip.

​ OR

I like trains​ a lot; I planned a trip.

​Complex Sentences

It expresses related ideas and it is composed by:

• An independent clause​

• One or more dependent clauses

  • ​The dependent clause requires a subordinating conjunction (subordinator)

​

​​

​Complex Sentences

If the sentence begins with the dependent clause, we need to add a comma after such clause ​

​ For exmple:

Since my son likes trains so much, I bought him a model train set. ​

​

If the sentence begins with the independent clause, we do not need a comma. ​

For exmple:

I bought my son a model train since he likes them so much.

​​

Multiple Choice

Vampires Dairies is my favorite television show, but I also love True Blood.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

The student wiped the white board that was filthy with last week’s notes

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

After listening to the Adele CD, I have new respect for her music.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

My mom and my sister love musical theatre.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

My mom and my sister love musical theatre.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

​Compound-Complex Sentences

It expresses related ideas and it is composed by:

• Two independent clauses

• At least one dependent clause

​For example:

Since my son likes trains so much, I bought him a model train; he was very happy. ​

Multiple Choice

Wicked Regina cast a spell on the entire city, so the citizens decided to rebel.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Multiple Choice

While waiting for the paint to dry, Angela went to Home Depot, and Martin organized the kitchen appliances.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Multiple Choice

After the teacher chose groups, John and Sara were selected as partners for a project, yet Sarah did most of the work.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex