Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences
Understand that complex sentences contain one independent clause and at least one dependent clause typically joined by a subordinating conjunction to create relationships, such as time and causality.
Read this first
A clause has a verb. Count the clauses and you know the sentence type.
Words you need
- Clause
- A group of words with a verb in it.
- Independent clause
- It makes sense on its own.
- Dependent clause
- It does not make sense alone. It needs the other half.
- Subordinating conjunction
- A joining word like because, when, although or if.
Worked example
e.g. Name the sentence type: We went inside because it rained.
- Find the verbs. There are two: went and rained.
- Two verbs means two clauses.
- Test the first part. We went inside. That works alone.
- So it is independent.
- Test the second part. Because it rained. That does not work alone.
- So it is dependent. The word because makes it so.
- One independent plus one dependent is a complex sentence.
Count the verbs. Then test each part on its own.
Practice
Count the verbs, then test each part alone.
1The cat slept. How many clauses?with a picture
AnswerOne. It is a simple sentence.
2I ran and she walked. What type?with a picture
AnswerCompound. Two independent clauses joined by and.
3When the bell rang, we left. What type?with a hint
Need a hint?
Test each half on its own.
AnswerComplex. When the bell rang cannot stand alone.
4Although he tried. Is this a full sentence?with a hint
Need a hint?
Does it make sense alone?
AnswerNo. It is a dependent clause on its own.
5Turn these into one complex sentence: I was tired. I went to bed.on your own
AnswerBecause I was tired, I went to bed.
6Name three subordinating conjunctions.on your own
AnswerBecause, when, if. Also although, until, while.
Think about it
1
Why use a complex sentence instead of two short ones?
One good answerIt shows how the ideas link. Because tells the reader one caused the other.
2
What happens if you write only simple sentences?
One good answerThe writing sounds choppy. The links between ideas go missing.
Common mistakes
Long sentences are complex sentences.
Length has nothing to do with it. Because I fell, I cried is short and complex.
And makes a sentence complex.
And joins two independent clauses. That is compound. Complex needs a dependent clause.