Types of Sentences

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. It usually has a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a predicate (what the subject does or what happens).

There are two types of clauses: independent clauses and dependent clauses. A sentence

contains at least one independent clause and may contain one or more dependent clauses.

• An independent clause (or main clause) : is a complete thought and can stand by itself.
• A dependent clause (or subordinate clause: is an incomplete thought and cannot stand by itself

👉When I go to the movies, I usually buy popcorn.

Independent clause: I usually buy popcorn.

Dependent clause: When I go to the movies,

👉I don’t like the ocean because sharks scare me.

Independent clause: I don’t like the ocean

Dependent clause: because sharks scare me.

Sentences are divided into four categories: simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.

A simple sentence contains one independent clause.

• Johnny rode his bike to school.
• She ate lunch.
• The dog barked.
• 💡 Tip: It has only one independent clause.

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses.

A coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) often links the two independent clauses and is preceded by a comma.

• like apples, but my sister likes bananas.
• She wanted to travel, so she saved money.
• Tim loves reading, and he likes hiking.
• 💡 Tip: It has two independent clauses.

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Words often used: because, although, when, while, since, if.

• 👉She went to school although she was sick.
• She went to school → Independent clause : although she was sick → Dependent clause
• 👉When I arrived, the class started.
• When I arrived → Dependent clause : the class started → Independent clause
• 👉I stayed home because it rained.
• I stayed home → Independent clause : because it rained → Dependent clause
• 💡 Tip: One part cannot stand alone.

A compound-complex sentence combines complex sentence and compound sentence forms. A compound-complex sentence contains one or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

• 👉Although she missed the party, she met her friend later, and they had dinner.
• Although she missed the party → Dependent clause : she met her friend later →Independent clause : they had dinner →Independent clause
• 👉I try to eat healthy, but because fast food is easy, I sometimes eat it.
• I try to eat healthy → Independent clause : but because fast food is easy → Dependent clause : I sometimes eat it →Independent clause
• 💡 Tip: It is the longest type of sentence

Use simple sentences when presenting a limited amount of information. Although simple sentences may be shorter, they are not any less academic than other sentence types.

• To Declare a Direct Statement
• To Display a Simple List
• To Give Concise Directions
• To Ask a Question

Used to give information or facts.

👉The sun rises in the east.

👉Our class starts at eight o’clock

Used to show several items or ideas.

👉The student brought a notebook, a pen, and a ruler.

👉The researchers observed the data, analyzed the results, and wrote the report.

Used to give instructions.

👉Please submit your assignment today.

👉Turn to page 25 in your book.

Used when asking for information.

👉What is the main idea of the story?

👉How does this experiment work?

Compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences can serve similar purposes. The writer can tailor the amount of information he or she provides by adding independent and dependent clauses to simple sentences.

• To Combine Similar Ideas
• To Compare or Contrast Ideas
• To Show Cause and Effect
• To Elaborate or Explain an Idea

Used to connect related ideas.

👉Recycling helps the environment, and people should practice it daily.

👉She studies every night, and she always completes her assignments

Used to show differences or similarities.

👉He is very talented, but he is still humble.

👉Although the test was difficult, the students passed.

Used to explain why something happens.

👉It rained heavily, so the game was canceled.

👉She studied hard, so she passed the exam.

Used to add more explanation.

👉Since exercise improves health, people should exercise regularly.

👉Because the road was closed, we took another route.