Types of sentences (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex)

Simple Sentence

A simple sentence consists of one independent clause with a subject and verb.

Example: Mary likes tea.

Compound Sentence

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses using coordinating conjunctions or semi-colons.

Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS): For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Example: Allen likes tea and John likes coffee.

Complex Sentence

A complex sentence includes an independent clause and a dependent clause introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.

Subordinating conjunctions: After, Although, As, Because, Before, How, If, Once, Since, Than, That, Though, Till, Until, When, Where, Whether, While

Relative pronouns: That, Which, Who, Whom, Whose

Example: We missed our plane because we were late.

Compound-Complex Sentence

A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Structure: Independent clause, Subordinating conjunction, Dependent clause, Coordinating conjunction, Independent clause

Examples: John didn't come because he was ill so Mary was not happy.