Overview
This lecture explains the three main types of sentence structures—simple, compound, and complex—and illustrates how to identify and use each to improve writing.
Simple Sentences
- A simple sentence contains one independent clause (a subject, a verb, and a complete thought).
- Example: "Grace opened the door." (one subject, one verb).
- A simple sentence can have a compound subject (e.g., "The table and chairs need to be cleaned.").
- A simple sentence can have a compound verb (e.g., "The boy smiled and nodded.").
- Sentence length does not determine its type; if it has a single subject and verb, it's still simple.
Compound Sentences
- Compound sentences join two or more independent clauses using coordinating conjunctions.
- Coordinating conjunctions can be remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
- Example: "Grace opened the door and she looked outside." (two independent clauses joined by 'and').
- Each part of a compound sentence could stand alone as a complete sentence.
Complex Sentences
- Complex sentences consist of an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
- A dependent clause includes a subject and verb but is not a complete thought.
- Example: "When he won the award, everyone cheered." ('When he won the award' is dependent; 'everyone cheered' is independent).
- Example: "Now that I have saved up, I can buy a bike." (dependent clause first, followed by independent).
- If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma to separate it from the independent clause.
Practice Identifying Sentences
- "Karl knew lots about monkeys." is a simple sentence (one subject, one verb).
- "Although Matt was running late, he seemed relaxed." is a complex sentence (dependent + independent clause).
- "He was hungry, so he ate." is a compound sentence (two independent clauses joined by 'so').
Key Terms & Definitions
- Independent Clause — a group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a complete thought.
- Dependent Clause — a group of words with a subject and verb that does not express a complete thought.
- Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS) — words that connect independent clauses: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review more sentence examples and practice identifying their structures.
- Memorize FANBOYS coordinating conjunctions.
- Practice combining clauses to form compound and complex sentences.