Sentence Structures
There are a few ways to build a sentence. Here are the ones you will learn, from one clause to many.
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Sentence Structures
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Simple
Compound
Complex
compoundcomplex
Simple: one independent clause
A simple sentence is a single independent clause: one subject, one predicate, one complete thought. Short does not mean simple, and simple does not mean short; it means one clause.
On the line
The exhausted hikers rested at the summit .
Still one clause, even with extra words. Simple.
Now you try
A single subject and predicate, one complete thought.
Compound: two independent clauses, joined as equals
A compound sentence links two independent clauses as equals, with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (the FANBOYS) that Connie the Conjunction supplies. Drop the joiner and the comma, and you have two whole sentences again.
On the line
The power failed , but the crew kept working .
Each side is a complete sentence; but joins them as equals. 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 pairs one independent clause with at least one dependent clause, joined by a subordinating conjunction (because, although, while, since) that Connie the Conjunction supplies. Connie joins them, but not as equals: the subordinator makes its clause dependent, so it cannot stand alone; that ranking is what separates complex from compound.
On the line
Although the power failed , the crew kept working .
The dependent clause leans on the main clause. Complex.
Now you try
because, although, when, while, since. The added clause cannot stand alone.
Compound-complex: the full build
A compound-complex sentence carries two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause: a compound and a complex in one. It is the most flexible structure, the one a strong writer reaches for to control emphasis.
On the line
When the storm hit , the lights flickered , and the crowd gasped .
A dependent clause joined to a compound sentence. Compound-complex.
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