Types Of Sentences (English) (1)

Types of Sentences in English

Four Types of Sentences

• Simple Sentence

• Compound Sentence

• Complex Sentence

• Compound-Complex Sentence

Simple Sentences

• Definition:

  • A simple sentence is a single independent clause.

  • It contains a subject and a verb.

  • It expresses a single complete thought.

Examples of Simple Sentences

• Joe waited for the train.

  • "Joe" = subject, "waited" = verb

• Mary and Samantha took the bus.

  • "Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "took" = verb

• Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station early but waited until noon for the bus.

  • "Mary and Samantha" = compound subject, "arrived" and "waited" = compound verb

Compound Sentences

• Definition:

  • A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined together with a coordinator.

  • Usually requires a comma before the coordinator.

  • There are six coordinators known as "FANBOYS":

    • For

    • And

    • Nor

    • But

    • Or

    • Yet

    • So

Example of a Compound Sentence

• The dog barked, and the cat yowled.

• Alternatively, a semicolon can be used:

  • The dog barked; the cat yowled.

Complex Sentences

• Definition:

  • A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Examples of Complex Sentences

• When he handed in his homework, he forgot to give the teacher the last page.

• The teacher returned the homework after she noticed the error.

• The students are studying because they have a test tomorrow.

Independent and Dependent Clauses

• Independent Clause: Can stand alone and expresses a complete thought.

• Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone even though it has a subject and a verb.

Punctuation Rules

• When a complex sentence starts with a dependent clause, a comma is used after the dependent clause.

• If the independent clause comes first, no comma is necessary.