There are different types of sentence structures in English. These different sentence structures have their own unique styles. If you learn these structures, then you will use them to improve your writing and speaking skills.
The 4 main types of sentence structures are: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
Table of Content – 4 Types of Sentence Structures
- Simple Sentences
- Compound Sentences
- Complex Sentences
- Compound-Complex Sentences
1. Simple Sentences With Examples
Definition: A simple sentence contains one independent clause. An independent clause has a subject and verb and it expresses a complete thought.
For example: David gave a great speech. The subject of this sentence is David. The verb of this sentence is was. This simple sentence also expresses a complete thought.
Example of Simple Sentences
- My sister cooked the meals over the weekend.
- Robert painted the fence for his neighbor.
- David and Rachel went to the shop with their friends on Saturday afternoon.
- Jenny and Rebekah walked the dogs in the afternoon.
- Brad washed his vehicle before work.
2. Compound Sentences With Examples
Definition: A compound sentence contains two (or more) independent clauses and the two independent clauses are joined together by a coordinating conjunction such as: and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so. They can also be joined together by a semicolon.
For example: David gave a great speech, and he became school captain. There are two independent clauses in this sentence (David gave a great speech. He became school captain.). The two independent clauses are joined together by the coordinating conjunction “and.”
Examples of Compound Sentences
- David and Rachel went to the shop with their friends, and they had a great time together.
- James drove the car to work, and he parked it in the street.
- Peter worked hard on his project, but he didn’t get a good grade.
- Grace and Rachel studied all night for the test, but they still didn’t feel prepared.
- Mrs Peterson went to the store, for she needed to buy groceries.
3. Complex Sentences With Examples
Definition: A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one dependent clause. A dependent clause does not express a complete thought and therefore cannot stand alone.
For example: Because David gave a great speech, he was elected school captain. “Because David gave a great speech” is not a complete thought and therefore cannot stand alone. It requires more information and that information was provided by “he was elected school captain.” Now the sentence expresses a complete thought.
Examples of Complex Sentences
- Since David and Rachel had nothing to do, they went to the shop with their friends on Saturday afternoon.
- After dad has spent a long day at work, he likes to relax on the couch.
- Because Jonathan is a high achiever, he usually spends time researching at night on his computer.
- Though he was elected leader, he never really led the team with confidence.
- While mum and dad were at the shopping center, we cleaned the house.
4. Compound-Complex Sentences With Examples
Definition: A compound-complex sentence contains two (or more) independent clauses and one (or more) dependent clauses.
For example: Because David gave a great speech, he was elected school captain, and he worked well with the students and teachers. As you can see, there are two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction “and” and one dependent clause.
Examples of Compound-Complex Sentences
- Since there was nothing to do, David and Rachel went to the shop with their friends on Saturday afternoon, and they enjoyed their time together.
- Because the workers packed up their tools quickly, they were able to avoid rain storm, and they made it home without incident.
- David finished the assignment before time because he had help from his father, and he was able to achieve an excellent mark.
- While the boys were fishing, the boat sprung a leak, but they were able to make it to shore.
- Even though I had a good time at the party, I never really connected with anyone, and I found that a little frustrating.
In summary, a simple sentence has one independent clause. A compound sentence has two (or more) independent clauses joined either by a coordinating conjunction or semicolom. A complex sentence has one independent clause and one dependent clause. A compound-complex sentence has two (or more) independent clauses and one independent clause.”
If you want to take your writing and speaking skills to the next level, then you will need to master these 4 types of sentence structures.
By mastering these 4 types of sentence structures, you will be creative and interesting in the way that you prepare your material for your audience. You will be clear and concise with the information that you desire to present to your audience and you will be confidence in the way you present that material to your audience.