7/8/2017 1-1 Review: Four Types of Sentences | Smrt English

1-1 Review: Four Types of Sente… Menu

There are only four kinds of sentences in the English language; every possible sentence
belongs to one of the following four categories:

1. Simple Sentences

2. Compound Sentences

3. Complex Sentences

4. Compound Complex Sentences

Type One: Simple Sentences

The most basic sentence in the English language, a simple sentence is one complete,
independent clause. It contains one subject, has at least one main verb, and must
formulate a complete thought.

Kevin went to Italy.

In June, Kevin went to Italy with his cousin on a summer holiday.

Every morning in summer, rain falls on the eld of golden corn behind his farmhouse in
the country.

Simple sentences can have compound subjects:

Kevin and his cousin went to Italy.

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Simple sentences can have more than one verb:

Kevin went to Italy and visited a small town in Cinque Terre.

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Type Two: Compound Sentences

Compound sentences consist of two complete, independent clauses connected with

punctuation and/or a conjunction/adverb. In other words, a compound sentence is two
simple sentences linked to form one complete sentence. There are three ways to form a
compound sentence:

Option A: Comma and a coordinating conjunction

(and/but/or/so/for/yet/nor)

I’ve had a very long day, so I’m going to bed.

A promotion at work can come with the stress of added responsibilities, but it can also
be very rewarding.

Sentence Structure - Option A:

Independent Clause ,and Independent Clause

,but
,so
,or
,for
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,nor
,yet

Option B: Semi-colon (;)

Two independent clauses that are clearly related can be joined with just a semi-colon
rather than a conjunction.

I’ve washed the dishes every day this week; today it is your turn.

The storm was very destructive; many people lost their homes.

When using only a semi-colon, be sure that the relation between the two clauses is clear.
Contrasting two ideas with only a semi-colon can sometimes be confusing.

Unclear:

The city’s football team has the most loyal fans in the league; they haven’t won a match
in months.

In such cases, it would be clearer to use Option One or Option Three

Sentence Structure - Option B:

Independent Clause ; Iindependent Clause

Option C: Semi-colon and Conjunctive Adverb

Jason passed the exam; however, he is not completely satis ed with his test results.

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Many people lost their homes in the storm; therefore, they were forced to rebuild

Sentence Structure - Option C:

; also
; as a result,
; besides,
; consequently,
; nally,
; furthermore,
; however,
; in addition,
; in fact,
; instead,
; likewise,
Independent Clause ; meanwhile, Independent Clause
; moreover,
; nevertheless,
; next
; now
; on the other hand,
; otherwise,
; similarly,
; still
; then
; therefore,
; thus

So when writing compound sentences, you have options and should try to vary your
sentences:

Sam did very well on the exit exam, so he was able to attend the university of his choice.
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Sam did very well on the exit exam; he was able to attend the university of his choice.

Sam did very well on the exit exam; therefore, he was able to attend the university of his
choice.

Review - Combining Sentences (Part 1)

Shaun explains how to combine sentences

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Type Three: Complex Sentences

Complex sentences consist of one independent clause , known as the main clause, and
one or more dependent clauses. A dependent clause is a group of words which has a

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subject and a verb but is not a complete idea and cannot exist alone, for example, “after
I nish my homework.”

I slipped and fell on the ice when I was walking home from school.

I slipped and fell on the ice when I was walking home from school .

When I was walking home from school, I slipped and fell on the ice.

Note that these clauses can come in either order, but that punctuation is di erent.

Because Kevin had limited experience, the company was hesitant to hire him.

The company was hesitant to hire Kevin because he had limited experience.

Option 1:

Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

Option 2:

Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause

Common subordinating conjunctions that begin a dependent clause:

although as after because before if

since though unless until whereas

when whether while

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Type Four: Compound-Complex Sentences

A Compound-Complex sentence is exactly what it sounds like; it is a combination of Type

Two and Type Three:

Compound

Children can be in uenced by what they see; therefore, it is important for parents
to communicate with their children about the television programs they watch.

Complex

When young people are exposed to violence on television, they can be in uenced
by what they see.

Compound-Complex

When young people are exposed to violence on television, they can be in uenced
by what they see; therefore, it is important for parents to communicate with their
children about the programs they watch.

Compound-Complex sentences must consist of at least two independent clauses and

one or more dependent clauses.

The company was hesitant to hire Andrew because he had limited experience; however,
they decided to give him the opportunity based on his academic transcript and
references.

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Review - Combining Sentences (Part 2)

Shaun explains how to combine sentences

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Exercise
Using what you have learned, complete the activity.

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