The Four Types of Sentences English 3201

Sentence Types Declarative. Imperative. Question? Exclamation! Simple Compound Complex Compound – Complex Declarative. Imperative. Question? Exclamation!

Independent and Dependent Clause Words, phrases and clauses make up sentences. Look for clauses to know type of sentence. A dependent (subordinate) clause is part of a sentence; it cannot stand alone. An independent clause is a complete sentence; it can stand alone.

Clause Subject + Verb = Clause Incomplete sentence or Dependent Clause When the dog barked, S V Because she was sick, S V

Independent Clause Complete sentence The cat ran away. S V She went to the doctor. S V

Simple Sentence Complete sentence / Independent Clause The cat ran away. S V

Compound Sentence Two independent clauses joined together using these conjunctions: For And Nor But Or Yet So Or the semi-colon ( ; ) FANBOYS – easy way to recall coordinating conjunctions

Compound Sentence The dog barked, and the cat ran away. S V S V You can study now, or you can pray later. S V S V

Complex Sentence One independent clause and one dependent clause. These sentences use subordinating conjunctions to link ideas: after if before since unless because while until as although when

Complex Sentence (When the dog barked), the cat ran away. S V S V The cat ran away when the dog barked.

Complex Sentence Because she was sick, she stayed home. comma needed because clause begins the sentence She stayed home because she was sick. no comma needed

Complex Sentence Relative Pronouns = Subject ( S ) in a complex sentence who whom which that

Complex Sentences The dog that ate my homework is a genius. Clause = S + V The dog is a genius. S V that ate my homework S V The dog ( that ate my homework ) is a genius. S S V V

Complex Sentence The student ( who studies hard ) will pass the final. S S V V The novel, ( which I liked the most ), is about a spy. S S V V “who” and “which” are Relative Pronouns that refer to preceding nouns / subjects

Compound-Complex A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. 2 independent clauses + 1 dependent clause ( compound ) ( complex )

Compound-Complex Sentence Simple We drove from St. John’s to Corner Brook in one day. Compound We were exhausted, but we arrived in time for the wedding. Complex ( Although we were tired ), we danced all night. Compound-complex ( After the wedding was over ), the bride and groom thanked everyone for coming, and their guests went home.

Review Mary went to the park, but John stayed at home. Tom wanted to exercise, so he went for a walk. The dog that ate my homework is sick. Mary likes reading; John likes television. Bill is the one who usually sits here. When the movie was over, we went to Moo Moos for ice cream, but my favourite flavour was all gone. John who sits behind me is on the basketball team. The girl who was looking after our cat discovered she had an allergy to them. You can study now or pray later. All that glitters is not gold.

Answers Compound Complex Compound-Complex Simple Mary went to the park, but John stayed at home. Tom wanted to exercise, so he went for a walk. The dog that ate my homework is sick. Mary likes reading; John likes television. Bill is the one who usually sits here. When the movie was over, we went to Moo Moos for ice cream, but my favourite flavour was all gone. John who sits behind me is on the basketball team. The girl who was looking after our cat discovered she had an allergy to them. You can study now or pray later. All that glitters is not gold. Compound Complex Compound-Complex Simple