Sentence Structure

Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex

Simple Sentences/Independent Clause

Independent clauses can “stand alone.” These make sense if read independently,

without any other words. These are also called simple sentences. (Represented by a dad!)

Remember – A clause is a group of words that must have a subject and a verb

Examples

Kaylee is having a party this weekend.My dog needs to go outside.Richard is her new boyfriend.

Dependent Clauses

Dependent clauses cannot stand alone. These are dependent on other words to make

sense. (Represented by a child!)

Dependent clauses are also called subordinate clauses. They need to be attached to an independent clause in order to be a complete sentence.

Examples

When I go to the party. Because his mom said so. Why he said no.

Dependent clauses that are not attached to an independent clause become sentence fragments. They are not complete sentences.

Compound Sentences

Compound sentences take two independent clauses and put them together using a comma and a subordinating conjunction.

IC +, Conj.+ IC = Compound Sentence Subordinating Conjunctions…FANBOYS For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So (Represented by a dad and a mom!)

Examples

Kara came to my sleepover, but Natalie did not come to my sleepover.

My dog went outside, and I was pulled on her leash.

My brother is a good reader, but I am not.

Complex Sentences

Complex sentences are made up of one independent clause and one dependent clause.

IC + DC =

Complex Sentence (Represented by one parent and a child!)

Examples

I am wearing a pink tunic when we go to the party.

Because he stayed out past curfew, he is grounded.

Even though she is lazy, her mother still expects her to do chores.

Compound-Complex Sentences

These are the granddaddies of all sentences. A compound-complex sentence is made up of one

dependent clause and TWO independent clauses. These are a combination of compound and complex

sentences.

DC + IC, + Conj.+ IC = Compound-Complex (Represented by a mom, dad, and child!)

Examples

Whenever I am tardy to class, I must sign in on a tardy sheet, and I must explain my reasons to Miss Smith.

Because it rained on Saturday, I was not able to go to the Aquatic Center, nor was I allowed to walk to Jamie’s house.

Why Do I Need To Know This? To improve your writing by varying your

sentences. (Reader’s won’t get bored.) To pass state assessments. To avoid fragments when you need complete

sentences! To make your teacher happy.

Check Yourself! Decide what sentence structure is used in the following sentences:

1.Ivy’s cat had four kittens last night in the barn.

2.Barry and Jack played outside in the rain.

3.Diane read the book and watched the movie.

4.My sister walked to the store when school was over.

5.After the dance, we all went out for ice cream.

6.Juan lost his homework, so he had to do it over.

7.Lisa loves pizza, so her dad took her to the best Italian restaurant in town.

8.Before he goes to school, John eats a good breakfast, so he can have energy to focus on his work.

Check Yourself! Decide what sentence structure is used in the following sentences:

1.Ivy’s cat had four kittens last night in the barn. Simple

2.Barry and Jack played outside in the rain. Simple

3.Diane read the book and watched the movie. Simple

4.My sister walked to the store when school was over. Complex

5.After the dance, we all went out for ice cream. Complex

6.Juan lost his homework, so he had to do it over. Compound

7.Lisa loves pizza, so her dad took her to the best Italian restaurant in town. Compound

8.Before he goes to school, John eats a good breakfast, so he can have energy to focus on his work. Compound-complex

Thank you for downloading my Sentence Structure: 4 Kinds PowerPoint. I hope that you enjoy the resource and get a lot of use out of it. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. My email address is happyedug8r@msn.com Commercial Graphics used with permission from the following: Microsoft Design, GraphicStock.com, GraphicsFactory.com

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