There are four different types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. It is important to become comfortable with each type, since a variety of sentence types signals a writers skill and maturity.
1. The
simple sentence contains one
independent clause (a phrase that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a sentence). The independent clauses in this handout are underlined.
The Gustie ordered pizza. The subject or verb (or both) may be compound. However, the sentence is still considered simple. In addition, a simple sentence may include modifying words or phrases.
The female Gustie and the male Gustie ordered a pepperoni pizza. 2. The
compound sentence contains two independent clauses. The two independent clauses are usually joined by a comma or coordinating conjunction
like and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet. The Gustie ordered pizza,
but the pizza never came. The independent clauses can also be joined by a semicolon or a semicolon and a
conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless).
The Gustie ordered pizza; however,
the delivery boy never delivered the pizza. 3.
Complex sentences contain one independent clause and one
dependent clause (a dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone). In this handout, the dependent clauses are italicized.
If the Gustie had said the name of his dorm,
the pizza would have come. 4.
Compound-complex sentences have at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
When the pizza finally arrived,
the cheese was cold and
the Gustie didnt tip.
