English 10 / Unit 10: Grammar: Clauses, Sentence Structure and Punctuation
10.3 Sentence Types
Notes
Sentences are classified by their clauses.
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | one independent clause | The bell rang. |
| Compound | two or more independent clauses | The bell rang, and we left. |
| Complex | one independent + at least one dependent | When the bell rang, we left. |
| Compound-complex | two or more independent + at least one dependent | When the bell rang, we left, but Jo stayed. |
- Join independent clauses with a comma plus a FANBOYS coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or with a semicolon.
- Varying sentence types keeps writing clear and interesting.
Practice
"Although it was cold, we hiked to the summit, and we watched the sunrise." This sentence is:
Two independent clauses plus one dependent clause.
"The players and the coach celebrated and cheered." This sentence is:
It has one independent clause with a compound subject and compound verb.
Which sentence is complex?
It has one dependent and one independent clause.
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