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A simple sentence is a sentence that consists of just one independent clause. For example:
I know the answer.
My dog and my cat sleep together on the sofa.
A simple sentence has no dependent clauses.
For example:
I know the answer because Jack explained it to me. (X)
When the sun is shining through the window, my dog and my cat sleep together on the sofa. (X)
Compound Sentence
Remember that in a compound sentence, ALL simple sentences MUST NOT start with a subordinate conjunction.
Two or more independent clauses joined by conjunctions (FANBOY).
example:
[I have a dog], and [she has a cat].
Notice the comma and the conjunction ‘and’. This is the joining method for a compound sentence.
[I drink green tea], but [they drink coffee].
Jack likes Jill, but Jill likes Mark.
Joining the Independent Clauses in a Compound Sentence
In a compound sentence, the independent clauses are joined using one of the following 5 methods:
(1) a conjunction with a comma (e.g., “, and”)
I like tea, and he likes coffee.
(2) a semicolon
I like hot chocolate; it sends me to sleep.
(3) a colon
I want one thing: war.
(This is rare because the words after a colon are not often an independent clause.)
(4) a dash
I know you’re here — I can smell your perfume.
(5) a conjunction with a semicolon (e.g., “; and”)
After the lights went out, I could hear you whispering; and I know you were talking about me.
(This is rare because it’s an outdated style.)
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is a sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
We must not swim where the seals are.
The monkeys move to the tree when the clouds darken.
When the cake is brown, remove it from the oven.
Notice that the comma is used just like in a compound sentence.
The difference is that we’re not using conjunctions here.
By using “When” we’re creating a dependent clause first and because we have another clause coming up, we use a comma.
Where as in compound sentence, we never use “dependent linking words” as each clause must be independent.
Stay in the bath until the phone rings.
dependent linking word ‘until’.
In these examples of complex sentences, the subordinating conjunctions are highlighted.
We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.
Wise men speak because they have something to say.
Fools speak because they have to say something.
Even though he’s a moron, I supported Tyson Fury.
The role of a subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause is to establish a time, a place, a reason, a condition, a concession, or a comparison for the main clause.
A Compound-Complex Sentence
A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
For example:
I stopped believing in Santa Claus when he asked for my autograph in a department store, but I still want to believe in him.
Though Samantha prefers peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, she ordered a pastrami on rye, and she thought it was delicious.
He finished his report for work, but he still needs to fill out the accompanying presentation even though he should have had it done last quarter.
While waiting for the bus, Angela played games on her phone, and Lizzy read a book.
After all this time, I still can’t fathom why he had to make such a big deal of it, but I guess he had his reasons.
As I put the kettle on, I looked in the jar for biscuits, but I couldn’t see any in there.
While Jessica likes rom-coms, Sarah likes thrillers, but Ellie only watches documentaries.