Sentence Structures

What are Sentence Structures?

There are four types of sentence structures: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Using these different types of sentence structures allows you to add variety to your essays.

Four Types of Sentence Structures:

1. Simple Sentence

A simple sentence is one independent clause with no subordinate clauses. This sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

s v

Ex: Last winter was unusually cold.

independent clause

2. Compound Sentence

A compound sentence is formed with two or more independent clauses with no subordinate clauses. A comma and a conjunction will most likely join these clauses, though a semicolon may also join sentences.

Ex: Last January was extremely cold, but February was even colder.

independent clause independent clause

3. Complex Sentence

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The dependent clauses may precede, follow, or be "imbedded" within the independent clause.

Ex: Snow finally came, although many tourists had left the area by then.

independent clause dependent clause

4. Compound-Complex Sentence

A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Ex: Although officials finally came, many students had already left the auditorium,

dependent clause independent clause

and the others who remained were upset by the delay.

independent clause

Remember:

There are four types of sentence structures. Using them adds variety to your essays.