Types of Sentences
Choose among and construct simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal different relationships among ideas, varying sentence patterns deliberately for meaning, interest, and style
What a learner can do afterwards
- Combine short sentences into a complex sentence using a subordinating conjunction for effect
- Rewrite a passage of monotonous simple sentences using a mix of sentence types for variety and flow
- Identify the sentence type (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex) of given examples and explain the effect of each
The lesson
You already know that a clause has a subject and a verb, and that an independent clause can stand alone while a dependent clause cannot. Writers combine those clauses in four basic patterns called sentence types: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Each pattern shows a different relationship between ideas.
Same idea, four sentence types. Simple: The rain stopped. Compound: The rain stopped, and the sun came out. Complex: After the rain stopped, the sun came out. Compound-complex: After the rain stopped, the sun came out, and the birds started singing.
A simple sentence has just one independent clause: one subject, one verb, one complete thought. A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like and, but, or or, or with a semicolon. Since both clauses could stand alone, the two ideas feel equally important.
A complex sentence joins one independent clause with at least one dependent clause, often starting with a subordinating conjunction such as because, although, when, or since. That dependent clause leans on the independent one, so it can show cause, time, or contrast. A compound-complex sentence mixes both patterns: at least two independent clauses plus one dependent clause.
Use short simple sentences for punch, especially right after a few longer ones. Use complex sentences to spell out exactly how two ideas connect, like cause and effect. If every sentence in your writing is the same length and shape, mix in another type.
Simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences combine clauses in different patterns, so choose the pattern that fits the relationship you want to show.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.