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

Key Notes:

Simple Sentences

  • Definition: A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause.
  • Characteristics:
    • Has a subject and a predicate.
    • Expresses a complete thought.
    • May have compound subjects or predicates but only one main clause.
  • Examples:
    • “The cat slept.”
    • “She reads books and writes stories.”

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.
  • Characteristics:
    • Each clause could stand alone as a complete sentence.
    • Clauses are linked with coordinating conjunctions or semicolons.
  • Examples:
    • “I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.”
    • “She finished her homework, and she went to bed early.”

Complex Sentences

  • Definition: A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause.
  • Characteristics:
    • The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
    • Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since, if, when, etc.).
  • Examples:
    • “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
    • “She will be late if she misses the bus.”

Compound-Complex Sentences

  • Definition: A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
  • Characteristics:
    • Combines elements of both compound and complex sentences.
    • Contains multiple independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
  • Examples:
    • “While I was studying, my friend called, and we talked for an hour.”
    • “She went to the store because she needed groceries, and she bought some clothes as well.”

How to Identify Each Type:

  1. Determine the Clauses: Identify all independent and dependent clauses in the sentence.
  2. Classify the Sentence:
    • Simple: Only one independent clause.
    • Compound: Two or more independent clauses.
    • Complex: One independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
    • Compound-Complex: Two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

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