Sentence Structures

Complex & Compound-Complex Examples

Complex sentences have an independent clause and one or more dependents:

• "Although Catherine ran to school, she didn’t get there in time."

• "You will not do well if you refuse to study."

Compound-complex sentences have two or more independents and one or more dependent:

• Since the school was closed, Sarah ran home and her mum made her some breakfast.

Sentence Structure

​Colvin 6-8

Does NOT form a complete thought

• EX: "Jacob said."

Dependent

Forms a complete thought

• EX: "John walked home."

Independent

Clauses: Independent & Dependent

​Clauses are groups of words with a subject and verb.

Types of Sentences

There are four types of sentence structure

1. Simple Sentences: one independent clause

2. Compound sentences: two independent clauses

3. Complex sentences: one independent clause + one or more dependent clauses

4. Compound-complex sentences: two or more independent clauses + one or more dependent clauses

Simple & Compound Examples

Simple Sentences only have one independent clause:

• "Rosa woke up."

• "Tim brought pizza."

Compound Sentences have two independent clauses:

• "Maurice went grocery shopping and he cooked dinner."

• "Jocelyn wanted a nap because she had a headache."

Complex & Compound-Complex Examples

Complex sentences have an independent clause and one or more dependents:

• "Although Catherine ran to school, she didn’t get there in time."

• "You will not do well if you refuse to study."

Compound-complex sentences have two or more independents and one or more dependent:

• Since the school was closed, Sarah ran home and her mum made her some breakfast.

There are different kinds of sentence structures. Look at this image to help you.

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Remember:

Multiple Choice

Identify the type of sentence:

Mary had a little lamb.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

After the puppy went for a walk, she took a nap in the sun.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

Maria had to cut her walk short because it started raining.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

Eddie bought a new set of pens, but he lost the blue pen.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

The bunny hopped across the yard.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

The dolphins are playing in the water, and I got amazing photos of the dolphins.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

The sunset was beautiful after the rain stopped.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

The giraffe loves to eat leaves.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

Alice was supposed to be at the party at 9, yet she is not here.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

After the school year is over, we will have summer break.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

The candy store is closed since it is too early in the morning.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

Although the storm has passed, the sun hasn't come out yet.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

Johnny and Jake played basketball together on Friday.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

The book was published last year, so many people have read it already.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

While she waited for class to start, she read a book.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

A flock of geese migrated to Montana.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

The couch was delivered on Monday, but I didn't know how to put it together.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

A large tree was cut down for lumber.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex