Sentence Types: Overview
Lesson goal: to review four sentence types
Lesson goal: to review four sentence types
There are four types of sentences:
1. A simple sentence is a sentence that has only one independent clause (one subject and one verb combination). Since this sentence type has no dependent clauses, its structure is 1+0 (1 independent clause + 0 dependent clauses).
e.g. My curiosity in a sense was stronger than my fear. (Stevenson, 1993)
2. A compound sentence is a sentence that has 2≥ independent clauses. Clauses can be joined with a coordinating conjunction, transitional conjunction, or appropriate punctuation. Its structure is 2≥ + 0 (2≥ independent clauses + 0 dependent clauses).
e.g. He made excellent shoes and worked quite diligently, but even so he could not earn enough to support himself and his family. (adapted from The Elves and the Shoemaker)
3. A complex sentence is a sentence that has one independent and 1≥ dependent clauses. Clauses are joined by means of subordinators. Its structure is 1 + 1≥ (1 independent clause + 1≥ dependent clauses).
e.g. His father was a mechanical engineer who had designed or invented a new drill bit for oil drilling, a self-cleaning, self-sharpening bit. (Paulsen, 2006)
4. A complex-compound sentence is a sentence that has 2≥ independent and 1≥ dependent clauses. The sentence combines the characteristics of compound and complex sentences. 2≥ + 1≥ (2≥ independent clauses + 1≥ dependent clauses).
e.g. The sun was hot now and the old man felt it on the back of his neck and felt the sweat trickle down his back as he rowed. (Hemingway, 1998a)
1. A simple sentence is a sentence that has only one independent clause (one subject and one verb combination). Since this sentence type has no dependent clauses, its structure is 1+0 (1 independent clause + 0 dependent clauses).
e.g. My curiosity in a sense was stronger than my fear. (Stevenson, 1993)
2. A compound sentence is a sentence that has 2≥ independent clauses. Clauses can be joined with a coordinating conjunction, transitional conjunction, or appropriate punctuation. Its structure is 2≥ + 0 (2≥ independent clauses + 0 dependent clauses).
e.g. He made excellent shoes and worked quite diligently, but even so he could not earn enough to support himself and his family. (adapted from The Elves and the Shoemaker)
3. A complex sentence is a sentence that has one independent and 1≥ dependent clauses. Clauses are joined by means of subordinators. Its structure is 1 + 1≥ (1 independent clause + 1≥ dependent clauses).
e.g. His father was a mechanical engineer who had designed or invented a new drill bit for oil drilling, a self-cleaning, self-sharpening bit. (Paulsen, 2006)
4. A complex-compound sentence is a sentence that has 2≥ independent and 1≥ dependent clauses. The sentence combines the characteristics of compound and complex sentences. 2≥ + 1≥ (2≥ independent clauses + 1≥ dependent clauses).
e.g. The sun was hot now and the old man felt it on the back of his neck and felt the sweat trickle down his back as he rowed. (Hemingway, 1998a)
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