Types of sentences (Simple, compound, and complex)

 Simple, compound, and complex sentences are three basic sentence structures, and all three are described very similarly in Cambridge and Oxford style grammars.

 Key idea: 

clause types -An independent (main) clause has a subject and a finite verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. 

A dependent (subordinate) clause also has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone; it is introduced by a subordinating word (because, if, although, when, who, which, that, etc.). 

Understanding these two clause types is the basis for all three sentence structures. Simple sentence -Core definition (Cambridge/Oxford style):

•  a simple sentence consists of one independent clause only;
•  it has one finite verb phrase and no subordinate clause. 
• It must have at least a subject and a verb, and it may include objects, complements, and adverbials, but it still counts as “simple” as long as there is only one clause. 

Important points for exams:A simple sentence can have:

• Compound subject: “Ravi and Sita came.” (still one clause) 
• Compound verb: “She sang and danced.” (still one clause) 
• Simple ≠ short: “The tall boy in the blue shirt from Delhi won the race yesterday”is still simple because there is only one clause. 

Compound sentence-Core definition (Cambridge/Oxford style): 

• a compound sentence has at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, so, yet, for) or by a semicolon. 
• Each clause could stand as a separate sentence; the ideas are grammatically equal (coordinate). 
• Key structural rules:Pattern: Independent clause + coordinator/semicolon + independent clause. 
• Common joining devices:Comma + coordinating conjunction: “..., and ...”, “..., but ...” etc. 
• Semicolon alone when the clauses are closely related:

Examples -“He was tired; he continued working.” 

Exam tips:Do NOT confuse:

Compound sentence vs. simple sentence with compound verb:

Compound sentence: “He finished his homework, and he watched TV.” (two clauses) 

Simple sentence: “He finished his homework and watched TV.” 

(one subject, one clause, compound verb) 

Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) join units of equal rank: word + word, phrase + phrase, or clause + clause. 

Complex sentence-Core definition (Oxford/Cambridge style): 

• a complex sentence has one independent (main) clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. 
• The subordinate clause can function as:

1. Adverbial clause (time, reason, condition, concession, etc.). 
2. Relative (adjective) clause, usually introduced by who, which, that, whose, where, when. 
3. Noun clause, often introduced by that, if, whether, wh‑words. 
4. Linking words and punctuation:Subordinating conjunctions: because, although, if, when, while, since, as, unless, before, after, etc. 
5. If the subordinate clause comes first, a comma usually separates it from the main clause in standard written English:

 Examples -“Although he was tired, he finished the work.” 

If the subordinate clause comes after the main clause and is essential, often no comma is used: “He finished the work because he was tired of delaying it.” 

Conceptual contrast:In a complex sentence the clauses are not equal: the main clause carries the central message, and the subordinate clause depends on it for full meaning. Both clauses contain a subject and finite verb, but only the main clause can stand alone. 

Simple vs compound vs complex (quick exam view)

Simple: one independent clause; no subordinate clause. 

Compound: two or more independent clauses linked by coordinating conjunctions or a semicolon; no subordinate clause is required. 

Complex: one independent clause + at least one subordinate clause linked by subordinating conjunctions or relative words. 

Simple, compound, and complex sentences are three basic patterns formed by arranging main and subordinate clauses.

Simple sentence -

• Has exactly one independent (main) clause.
• Has one finite verb phrase; it may have a compound subject or compound verb, but no subordinate clause.
• Example pattern: Subject + Verb (+ Object/Complement/Adverbial).

Compound sentence

• Has two or more independent clauses.
• Clauses are joined by coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or by a semicolon.
• Each clause could stand alone as a sentence.

Complex sentence

• Has one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause.
• Subordinate clauses are introduced by subordinators (because, although, when, if, since, that, who, which, etc.).
• The main clause can stand alone; the subordinate clause cannot.

Here are quick exercises to practice identifying simple, compound, and complex sentence types, along with answers:

Identify the type of sentence:

a) I enjoy reading books.

b) She likes tea, but he prefers coffee.

c) Although it was raining, we went out.

d) Ravi and Sita went to the market.

e) He is tired; he will continue working.

Answers:

a) Simple (one independent clause)

b) Compound (two independent clauses joined by "but")

c) Complex (one main clause + one subordinate clause)

d) Simple (compound subject, one independent clause)

e) Compound (two independent clauses joined by a semicolon)

Classify these sentences:

a) She sings and dances beautifully.

b) When the bell rings, leave the room quickly.

c) The dog barked, and the cat ran away.

d) He did not come because he was sick.

Answers:

a) Simple (one clause, compound verb)

b) Complex (subordinate clause "When the bell rings" + main clause)

c) Compound (two independent clauses joined by "and")

d) Complex (main clause + because subordinate clause)

Determine the sentence type:

a) I like pizza.

b) I like pizza, but she prefers pasta.

c) I like pizza because it is delicious.

Answers:

a) Simple

b) Compound

c) Complex

1.Identify whether the following sentences are simple, compound, or complex:

a) Despite the heavy rain, the match continued without interruption.

b) She wanted to travel to France, but her passport was expired.

c) The teacher asked the students to submit their assignments on time.

d) If you study hard, you will pass the exam with flying colors.

e) We visited the museum and afterward went to the park.

2.Transform the following pairs of simple sentences into one compound or complex sentence:

a) He was tired. He finished his homework before going to bed.

b) The sun set. The sky turned orange and pink.

c) She practices the piano daily. She wants to improve her skills.

d) I will call you. I reach the airport.

3.Rewrite the complex sentence into a compound sentence without changing the meaning:

a) Because the weather was cold, they cancelled the picnic.

b) Although he was afraid, he entered the dark room.

4.Combine these simple sentences into a complex sentence with appropriate subordinating conjunctions:

a) The movie was boring. We stayed till the end.

b) She missed the bus. She arrived late for school.

Answers:

1.

a) Complex

b) Compound

c) Simple

d) Complex

e) Compound

2.

a) He was tired, but he finished his homework before going to bed.

b) The sun set, and the sky turned orange and pink.

c) She practices the piano daily because she wants to improve her skills.

d) I will call you when I reach the airport.

3.

a) The weather was cold, so they cancelled the picnic.

b) He was afraid, but he entered the dark room.

4.

a) Although the movie was boring, we stayed till the end.

b) Because she missed the bus, she arrived late for school.

Worksheet: Advanced Sentence Structure

Part 1: Identify the type of each sentence (Simple, Compound, Complex)

1. Before the sun rose, the birds started singing.
2. The river overflowed, but the villagers managed to stay safe.
3. She reads every day and writes in her journal.
4. If you finish your homework early, you can watch your favorite show.
5. I wanted to call you, yet I forgot my phone at home.
6. The team celebrated their victory after the match ended.

Part 2: Combine the sentences into compound or complex sentences

1. The rain stopped. We went outside to play.
2. He loves to paint. His brother enjoys playing the guitar.
3. She did not come to the party. She was feeling unwell.
4. I will call you. I arrive at the airport.

Part 3: Rewrite the complex sentences below as compound sentences without changing meaning

1. Although I was tired, I completed my assignments.
2. Because the store was closed, we went back home.

Part 4: Create complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions from the two simple sentences

1. The children played outside. It was a sunny day.
2. She studied hard. She wanted to pass the exam.

Answer Key

Part 1:

1. Complex
2. Compound
3. Simple
4. Complex
5. Compound
6. Complex

Part 2:

1. After the rain stopped, we went outside to play.
2. He loves to paint and his brother enjoys playing the guitar.
3. She did not come to the party because she was feeling unwell.
4. I will call you when I arrive at the airport.

Part 3:

1. I was tired, but I completed my assignments.
2. The store was closed, so we went back home.

Part 4:

1.  The children played outside because it was a sunny day.
2. She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.

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