Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

and, but, or

if, because, although

when, while, since

so, yet, for

'Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.'

'I like to read books.'

'She runs every morning.'

'He is tall and plays basketball.'

A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'Molly went to the store.'

A simple sentence is a sentence that contains multiple clauses and expresses complex ideas.

A simple sentence is a sentence that lacks a subject or a verb.

A simple sentence is a question that requires a yes or no answer.

A compound sentence contains only one independent clause.

A compound sentence can be identified by the presence of two independent clauses connected by a conjunction.

A compound sentence is always a question.

A compound sentence has no conjunctions.

A sentence that contains only one independent clause.

A sentence that contains two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

A sentence that contains a dependent clause and an independent clause.

A sentence that is a question or command.

A compound sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, while a complex sentence has two or more independent clauses.

A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses, while a complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

A compound sentence contains only dependent clauses, while a complex sentence contains only independent clauses.

A compound sentence is always longer than a complex sentence.

Simple

Compound

Complex

Compound-Complex

Simple

Compound

Complex

Compound-Complex

A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

A clause that begins with a coordinating conjunction.

A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

A clause that contains a subject but no verb.

To simplify ideas and make them easier to understand.

To show relationships between ideas, such as cause and effect or contrast.

To create a sense of urgency in writing.

To limit the number of ideas presented in a sentence.