Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

A simple sentence is one independent clause. If you are independent that means you dont need
help from anyone else, right? The independent clause is the same way. Because it not only
contains a subject and a complete verb but it also expresses a complete thought, it can stand on
its own and can be punctuated as a complete sentence.
Example:
S
V
Myra brought doughnuts for everyone at work yesterday. (This is a complete thought.)
A simple sentence can also have a compound subject and/or a compound verb.
Examples:
S
S
V
Myra and Marc brought doughnuts for everyone at work yesterday. (compound subject)
S
V
V
Myra brought doughnuts and poured coffee for everyone at work yesterday. (compound verb)
A compound sentence is composed of two or more independent clauses. When you join
independent clauses together, though, you must follow certain rules in order to avoid grammar
errors. Here are 3 methods you can use for constructing compound sentences:
1. You can join independent clauses together with a semicolon (;).
Example:
Myra likes doughnuts; Marc prefers croissants.
2. You can join them together with a comma and a coordinating conjunction, such as for,
and, nor, but, or, yet, so. (Use the acronym FANBOYS to remember these conjunctions.)
Example:
Myra likes doughnuts, but Marc prefers croissants.
3. You can show the relationship between two independent clauses by using a conjunctive
adverb (however, furthermore, otherwise, therefore, also, etc.) or a transitional phrase (as
a result, in the meantime, in other words, etc.) to join them together. When you do this,
you must put a semicolon before the connecting word or phrase and a comma after.
Examples:
Myra likes doughnuts; however, Marc prefers croissants.
Myra likes doughnuts; on the other hand, Marc prefers croissants.

A complex sentence is composed of and independent clause and a dependent clause. A

dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (because, when, if, although, unless,
until, though, after, whether, etc.), which takes away its independence. If you are dependent that
means you rely on someone else for help with something. Likewise, the dependent clause relies
on an independent clause to complete its meaning.
Examples:
While Myra likes doughnuts (This is a dependent clause. It does not make sense on its own.)
Now, lets complete the thought by adding an independent clause.
While Myra likes doughnuts, Marc prefers croissants. (Now, we have a complete sentence.)
Notice in the second example above, the dependent clause comes at the beginning and is
followed by the independent clause. When this is the case, you should insert a comma between
them. However, when the independent clause comes at the beginning and is followed by the
dependent clause, no comma is necessary.
Example:
Marc prefers croissants while Myra likes doughnuts.

Practice with Compound and Complex Sentences

Directions: Examine the pairs of sentences below. On lines 1 through 3, practice combining
them, using the 3 different methods for constructing compound sentences. Then, on line 4, create
a complex sentence by using a subordinating conjunction to make one of the clauses dependent.
Remember to use proper punctuation.
Ernesto was running a fever last night. He feels better today.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
4.__________________________________________________________________
Sevanna studied a lot this year. She passed all of her classes.
1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________________
4.__________________________________________________________________
Mr. Simms is quite popular in this town. He is running for mayor this year.
1. __________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________
4.__________________________________________________________________
Ellen and Sy liked the music at the wedding. No one else did.
1. __________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________________________
4.___________________________________________________________________
Michael likes reality TV shows. His brother prefers sitcoms.
1. __________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________
3.___________________________________________________________________
4.___________________________________________________________________

Practice with Compound and Complex Sentences (Key)

In each case below, numbers 2-4 will have more than one possible answer.
Directions: Examine the pairs of sentences below. On lines 1 through 3, practice combining
them, using the 3 different methods for constructing compound sentences. Then, on line 4, create
a complex sentence by using a subordinating conjunction to make one of the clauses dependent.
Remember to use proper punctuation.
Ernesto was running a fever last night. He feels better today.
1. Ernesto was running a fever last night; he feels better today.
2. Ernesto was running a fever last night, but he feels better today.
3. Ernesto was running a fever last night; however, he feels better today.
4. Although Ernesto was running a fever last night, he feels better today.
Sevanna studied a lot this year. She passed all of her classes.
1. Sevanna studied a lot this year; she passed all of her classes.
2. Sevanna studied a lot this year, and she passed all of her classes.
3. Sevanna studied a lot this year; as a result, she passed all of her classes.
4. Because Sevanna studied a lot this year, she passed all of her classes.
Mr. Simms is quite popular in this town. He is running for mayor this year.
1. Mr. Simms is quite popular in this town; he is running for mayor this year.
2. Mr. Simms is quite popular in this town, so he is running for mayor this year.
3. Mr. Simms is quite popular in this town; therefore, he is running for mayor this year.
4. Since Mr. Simms is quite popular in this town, he is running for mayor this year.
Ellen and Sy liked the music at the wedding. No one else did.
1. Ellen and Sy liked the music at the wedding; no one else did.
2. Ellen and Sy liked the music at the wedding, yet no one else did.
3. Ellen and Sy liked the music at the wedding; nevertheless, no one else did.
4. Whereas Ellen and Sy liked the music at the wedding, no one else did.
Michael likes reality TV shows. His brother prefers sitcoms.
1. Michael likes reality TV shows; his brother prefers sitcoms.
2. Michael likes reality TV shows, but his brother prefers sitcoms.
3. Michael likes reality TV shows; in contrast, his brother prefers sitcoms.
4. While Michael likes reality TV shows, his brother prefers sitcoms.