Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex sentences Sentence Structure: Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex sentences

Take a Look at this Paragraph… The graveyard was desolate. It was raining. The fog slowly circled around the tombstones. I stood watching. I stood waiting. Would I get out alive? What was waiting for me in the dark? I looked at a tree. Something was behind it! I wanted to scream. Nothing would come out. I was alone in the graveyard. What don’t you like about this paragraph?

It is made up entirely of simple sentences—there is no variety! The graveyard was desolate. It was raining. The fog slowly circled around the tombstones. I stood watching. I stood waiting. Would I get out alive? What was waiting for me in the dark? I looked at a tree. Something was behind it! I wanted to scream. Nothing would come out. I was alone in the graveyard. This paragraph sounds choppy, and the lack of variety in sentence structure makes it boring. Now let’s look at this same paragraph and mix it up a bit!

The graveyard was desolate, and it was raining The graveyard was desolate, and it was raining. The fog slowly circled around the tombstones as I stood watching. I waited-- would I get out alive? What was waiting for me in the dark? I looked at a tree. Something was behind it! I wanted to scream, but nothing would come out. I was alone in the graveyard. Doesn’t this sound better? I have included some variety in sentence structure, as there are now compound and complex sentences included, as well.

4 types of sentence structure: Simple Compound Complex Compound-Complex

Simple Sentences Contain 1 independent clause. That’s all! Examples: My great aunt Matilda owns a bakery. I love family reunions! Maria and Jose enjoy trips to the park.

Compound Sentences ; __ Contain 2 or more independent clauses. These clauses are bridged together with a comma + a conjunction, a semi-colon, or a dash. , and ; __ I am visiting my grandmother this week, and she will take me to the zoo.

What kind of sentence is this? The silly cat ate my lasagna, and he didn’t leave a bite for me!

Correct! It is a compound sentence because it contains two independent clauses joined together with a comma + a conjunction. The silly cat ate my lasagna, and he didn’t leave a bite for me! Independent Clause

Now you try! Label these sentences: The mallard duck is swimming in our pool. I love pizza, but I hate spaghetti. John is playing soccer this year; he wants to win the championship. I enjoy playing basketball in the evenings.

Complex Sentences Contain 1 independent clause and 1 or more dependent clauses. Example: I had to stay at home because I didn’t clean my room. Independent clause Dependent clause

More Examples: Can you spot the dependent clauses that make these sentences complex? MaryAnn hopes that she will be able to attend the awards banquet. While we are washing dishes, Cam will sweep the floors. Whenever she hears thunder, my dog Susie hides under the bed.

Remember, certain words “signal” the start of a dependent clause: That because while when whenever who As though if since before during after Can you think of any more?

COMPLEX- 1 ind. + 1 or more dep. SIMPLE- 1 independent clause CD-CX- 2 ind. + 1 or more dep. COMPLEX- 1 ind. + 1 or more dep. COMPOUND- 2 ind. clauses SIMPLE- 1 independent clause CD-CX 2 ind. + 1 or more dep. COMPLEX 1 ind. + 1 or more dep. COMPOUND 2 ind. Clauses SIMPLE 1 ind. Clause