Sentence Factory · Today with The Mayor

Sentence Structures

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Sentence Structures

There are a few ways to build a sentence. Here are the ones you will learn, from one clause to many.

Simple: one independent clause

A simple sentence is one independent clause: a single subject and predicate that stand on their own. It is the building block for everything else.

On the line

The dog barked .

One independent clause. That is a simple sentence.

Now you try

A single subject and predicate, one complete thought.

Compound: two independent clauses, joined as equals

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction: one of the FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Connie the Conjunction joins them as equals; each half could still stand alone.

On the line

The rain fell , and the game stopped .

Two independent clauses, joined by a comma + and. Compound.

Now you try

for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Each side must still stand alone.

Complex: an independent clause plus a dependent one

A complex sentence joins an independent clause with a dependent clause, using a subordinating conjunction like because, when, or after. Connie the Conjunction joins them, but not as equals: the dependent clause cannot stand alone; it leans on the main clause.

On the line

Because the rain fell , the game stopped .

Because makes its clause dependent; the main clause finishes the thought. Complex.

Now you try

because, although, when, while, since. The added clause cannot stand alone.