1. Classification of Sentences
Types

2. In other words, a simple sentence is
Can you say simple?
A simple sentence =
one independent clause (IC).
In other words, a simple sentence is
one complete thought.
Woodward students cheered for the team.
Sam and Sally were invited to the party.

3. Remember the compound sentence?
A compound sentence =
two (or more) independent clauses (IC+IC). or
a joining of two complete thoughts.
How are they joined together?
Remember our comma rule (SV, & SV) and semicolon Rule 1 and Rule 2?

4. Compound sentence examples
Using commas
I am heading to the
beach, and I also plan
to look for seashells.
IC, CC IC
Using semicolons
I am heading to the
beach; I also plan to
look for seashells.
IC;IC
beach; furthermore, I
plan to look for
seashells. IC;CA,IC

5. Let’s try complex sentences
A complex sentence =
one independent clause and one (or more) dependent clauses. (IC + 1 or more DC) OR
One complete thought and one or more
incomplete thoughts.
Remember when looking for dependent clauses in a sentence that they can be anywhere.

6. Can we find the IC’s and DC’s?
When I finished the exam, I jumped up and cheered loudly. (DC, IC)
I ran through campus because it was raining like cats and dogs. (IC DC)
When Mary finished the test, she ran through campus after she jumped the puddle. (DC, IC DC)

7. The long ones...compound-complex
A compound-complex sentence =
at least 2 independent clauses (the compound part) and one (or more) dependent clauses. 2 IC + 1 or more DC or
two complete thoughts and one
incomplete thought

8. Let’s look at one example.
I am very competitive, and I cheer
loudly for my team when I watch
the Brazilians play in the World Cup. (IC, CC IC DC)

9. For you math folks… A Formula S = IC (only!) CD = IC IC (+ IC)
CX = IC & DC (+DC)
CdCx= IC IC (+IC) & DC (+DC)

10. A Chart Type Number of independent clauses Number of dependent/
subordinate clauses
Simple 1
Compound 2+
Complex 1+
Compound-complex

11. Practice, Practice, Practice
1). The boat that we ride on is docked at the lake all summer.
2). Roses are my mom’s favorite flower.
3). We should go shopping after school, but we need to be home by 7pm.
4). This year I want to make Eagle Roll, and I want to join a club that is fun.
5). When you get home, give me a call.