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: The girls were delighted because their mother let them play in the snow.
                           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.