ESL: Sentence Types Lesson

Types of Sentences

Clauses

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Definition: A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. Clauses can be independent or dependent:

Independent Clause

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Independent Clause: This is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence.

• Example: She loves to play soccer.

Dependent Clause

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Dependent Clause: This is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone. It usually starts with a subordinating conjunction (like "because," "if," or "when").

• Example: Although she loves to play soccer.

Simple Sentences

​Definition: A simple sentence contains one independent clause.

Structure:
Subject + Verb (+ Object)

Example: "The dog barks."

Draw

Write one simple sentence. Include one drawing that goes with your simple sentence!

Compound Sentences

Definition: A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses.

Structure:

Independent Clause + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause



Example: "The dog barks, and the cat meows."

WAIT...What Are Coordinating Conjunctions??

FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Coordinating conjunctions are words
that connect words, phrases,
or clauses together.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are compound sentences? Select all that apply.

• She loves to read books.

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

• The cat slept on the windowsill.

• He went to the store to buy groceries.

Complex Sentences

Definition: A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause

Structure (**not always in this order!):

Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause



Example: "Because it's raining, the dog stays inside."

WAIT...What Are Subordinating Conjunctions??

Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect an independent clause (a complete thought) with a dependent clause (a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone).

Multiple Select

Which of the following are complex sentences? Select all that apply.

• Although it was raining, we decided to go for a hike.

• The children played in the park.

• When the sun sets, the sky turns beautiful colors.

• I wanted to go to the beach, but it started to rain.