Types of Sentences by Structure
By structure, sentences are of four kinds, based on how many clauses they have.
| Type | Made of | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | one independent clause | She sings. |
| Compound | two independent clauses (joined by and/but/or/so) | She sings, and he dances. |
| Complex | one independent + one dependent | She sings when she is happy. |
| Compound-complex | two independent + one dependent | She sings when she is happy, and he dances. |
Simple: The dog barked.
Compound: I was tired, so I slept.
Complex: Because I was tired, I slept.
Compound-complex: Because I was tired, I slept, and I woke up late.
Tip: Count the clauses: one = simple; two independent = compound; one + dependent = complex; two independent + dependent = compound-complex.
Common mistake: The comma splice — joining two independent clauses with only a comma ("I was tired, I slept"). Use a conjunction or a full stop: "I was tired, so I slept."
✏️ Test Yourself
1. She laughed.
2. I called, but no one answered.
3. When he came, we ate.
4. When he came, we ate, and then we talked.
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — involving or causing a complete or dramatic change
“We should bring revolution in country.”
Meaning — To promise.
“I vowed to free my land.”
Meaning — an event causing great and often sudden damage.
“The whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity.”
Meaning — lasting forever or a very long time.
“Their love is everlasting.”
Meaning — The most, greatest.
“He utmost but she did not accept.”