Lesson 3: Simple, Complex, Compound, and Compound-Complex Sentences
A simple sentence is one independent clause—a group of words that has a subject and a verb and can stand by itself as a complete thought.
Example: The dog chased the ball.
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses linked by a word such as and, but, or or.
Example: Mr. Roberts was a teacher, but he also coached soccer.
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses—a group of words that has a subject and a verb but is not a complete thought.
Example: Although he was a science teacher, Mr. Roberts also taught math.
A compound-complex sentence combines elements of both compound and complex sentences. It has two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
Example: While John was studying for his exam, his friends were playing basketball, but he managed to finish studying before dinner.