Simple , Compound and Complex Sentences
SIMPLE SENTENCES A simple sentence consists of a straightforward Subject-Verb or Subject-Verb-Object structure (called a clause). If writing is made up of just this type of sentence, it can seem monotonous, repetitive and childlike. Using richer vocabulary or adding adjectives, adverbs and phrases to this type of sentence will make it sound more interesting, but does not affect its structure.
COMPOUND SENTENCES These are made up of two or more simple sentences joined by co-ordinating conjunctions (and, but, or). When sentences are joined in this way, each part is of equal importance and can stand on its own.
COMPLEX SENTENCES A more sophisticated way of joining sentences is by using dependent clauses. There are two kinds of dependent clauses: relative clauses and subordinate clauses.Relative clauses begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, whoever, which, that....) and subordinate clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction (because, for, since, once, although, if, as, so that...) Sentences can have more than one dependent clause.
- The burglar opened the safe. (1 clause)
- Silently and effortlessly, the wily young burglar opened the company safe. (still 1 clause)
COMPOUND SENTENCES These are made up of two or more simple sentences joined by co-ordinating conjunctions (and, but, or). When sentences are joined in this way, each part is of equal importance and can stand on its own.
- The burglar opened the safe and removed the banknotes. (2 main clauses)
COMPLEX SENTENCES A more sophisticated way of joining sentences is by using dependent clauses. There are two kinds of dependent clauses: relative clauses and subordinate clauses.Relative clauses begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, whoever, which, that....) and subordinate clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction (because, for, since, once, although, if, as, so that...) Sentences can have more than one dependent clause.
- Although the young burglar, whose name was Bill, had never been inside the building before, it took him no time to locate the safe once he had reached the director’s office on the top floor. (1 main clause; 3 dependent clauses)