Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentence

A simple sentence has only one independent clause that states only one complete thought.

However, it may have a compound subject or compound predicate, and still be a simple sentence.

Examples of simple sentences:

My knees ache.(simple subject, simple predicate)

Cory and I skated for two hours.(compound subject, simple predicate)

My face and neck look red and feel hot.(compound subject, compound predicate)

A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences, joined by a comma, and a coordinating conjunction, or by a semicolon.

Coordinating conjunctions:

FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

Examples of compound sentences:

I’ve skated in Los Angeles, but I have only seen a picture of New York.

Los Angles is 30 miles from my home; New York is 3,000 miles away.

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.

An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

Dependent clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction like because and when or a relative pronoun like who or that.

Examples of complex sentences:

Because it was raining, the game was called off.

The students, who were wet and cold, got back on the bus.

Let’s Practice

I was a bridesmaid in my cousin’s wedding.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

I was a bridesmaid in my cousin’s wedding.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

After they learned to grow plants from seeds, they depended on

farming.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

After they learned to grow plants from seeds, they depended on

farming.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

Bagels and pasta are served almost everywhere.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

Bagels and pasta are served almost everywhere.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

Some people live outside the city, and they commute to work.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

Some people live outside the city, and they commute to work.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

If plants don’t get water, they won’t grow well.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

If plants don’t get water, they won’t grow well.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

Many Americans eat carrots and potatoes.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

Many Americans eat carrots and potatoes.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

Birthday candles are a popular custom, and they are used almost

everywhere.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

Birthday candles are a popular custom, and they are used almost

everywhere.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

Because it is bordered by Lake Michigan, Chicago has become an

important city.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

Because it is bordered by Lake Michigan, Chicago has become an

important city.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

You might spot a coyote late at night, but you probably would not

see bears.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

You might spot a coyote late at night, but you probably would not

see bears.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

After the ground froze this winter, not much fruit grew in the spring.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

After the ground froze this winter, not much fruit grew in the spring.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

My family ate turkey on Thanksgiving Day.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex

My family ate turkey on Thanksgiving Day.

a. simple

b. compound

c. complex