Is the sentence simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex?

Key Notes :

Simple Sentences

Definition: A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause. It has a subject and a predicate (verb) and expresses a complete thought.

Structure: Subject + Verb (+ Object/Complement).

Examples:

  • “The dog barked.”
  • “She runs every morning.”

Compound Sentences

Definition: A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon.

Structure: Independent Clause + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause.

Examples:

  • “I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.”
  • “He finished his homework, so he went out to play.”

Complex Sentences

Definition: A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses. Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions (because, since, after, although, when, etc.).

Structure: Independent Clause + Dependent Clause (or vice versa).

Examples:

  • “Although it was raining, we went for a hike.”
  • “She will call you when she arrives.”

Compound-Complex Sentences

Definition: A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. It combines elements of both compound and complex sentences.

Structure: (Independent Clause + Independent Clause) + Dependent Clause.

Examples:

  • “The dog barked when the mailman arrived, and the cat hid under the sofa.”
  • “After the party ended, we cleaned the house, and everyone went home.”

Tips for Identifying Sentence Types:

  1. Look for Conjunctions:
    • Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) indicate a compound sentence.
    • Subordinating conjunctions (because, since, after, although, when) indicate a complex sentence.
  2. Identify Clauses:
    • Independent clause: Can stand alone as a sentence.
    • Dependent clause: Cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause.
  3. Punctuation Clues:
    • Commas and semicolons are often used in compound and compound-complex sentences to separate clauses.

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