Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

Simple Sentence A sentence with one subject and one verb. A sentence with one subject and one verb.Example: The class sat quietly in the classroom.

Independent Clause Part of a sentence that can stand alone. Part of a sentence that can stand alone. What is the independent clause in the following sentence? What is the independent clause in the following sentence? Although the sun is not shining, I am constantly using sunscreen.

Dependent Clause Part of a sentence that can not stand alone. It needs the other part of the sentence in order for it to make sense. Part of a sentence that can not stand alone. It needs the other part of the sentence in order for it to make sense. What is the dependent clause in the following sentence? What is the dependent clause in the following sentence? Although the sun is not shining, I am constantly using sunscreen.

Compound Sentence A sentence with more than one independent clause separated by a comma which is followed by a conjunction. A sentence with more than one independent clause separated by a comma which is followed by a conjunction. Example: Example: We were tired, but we arrived in time for the party.

Complex Sentence A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, set off by a comma. A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, set off by a comma. Example: Example: Although my grandmother is 65 years old, she is still very active. Although my grandmother is 65 years old, she is still very active.

Compound-Complex Sentences A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses and a dependent clause. A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses and a dependent clause.

Subordinate Conjunctions Subordinate conjunctions connect a dependent clause with an independent clause. Subordinate conjunctions connect a dependent clause with an independent clause. Here are some examples: Here are some examples: After, although, because,before, if,once, unless,until, whenever, while After, although, because,before, if,once, unless,until, whenever, while

Fragment A sentence that is missing a subject or a verb. A sentence that is missing a subject or a verb.Example: Susan the painter.

Adjective Clause A subordinate clause that modifies a noun or a pronoun. A subordinate clause that modifies a noun or a pronoun. An adjective clause usually follows the noun or pronoun it modifies and tells which one or what kind. An adjective clause usually follows the noun or pronoun it modifies and tells which one or what kind.

Adjective Clause An adjective clause almost always contains a relative pronoun. An adjective clause almost always contains a relative pronoun. Relative Pronouns: that, which, who, whom, whose Relative Pronouns: that, which, who, whom, whose

Example Adjective Clauses Emma Willard was the one who founded the first women’s college in the United States. Emma Willard was the one who founded the first women’s college in the United States. The team’s mascot, which is a horse, is called Renegade. The team’s mascot, which is a horse, is called Renegade.

The Adverb Clause A subordinate clause that is used as an adverb. A subordinate clause that is used as an adverb. Ann adverb clause answers the following questions: How? When? Where? Why? To what extent? How much? How long? Ann adverb clause answers the following questions: How? When? Where? Why? To what extent? How much? How long?

The Adverb Clause Examples: Examples: After I finish painting my bookcases, I will call you. After I finish painting my bookcases, I will call you. I paint where there is plenty of fresh air. I paint where there is plenty of fresh air.