Sentences Classified According to Structure
Holt Handbook pp.102-103
A sentence can be classified, depending on its structure, as simple, compound, complex
or compound-complex.
Simple Sentences contain one independent clause and no subordinate clauses.
A simple sentence may contain a compound subject, a compound verb and any number of
phrases.
Example: Cora and Kareem bought party supplies at the mall. (compound subject)
Later, they drove to school and decorated the cafeteria for the Ecology Club’s
annual banquet. (compound verb)
Compound Sentences contain two or more independent clauses and no subordinate
clauses.
A compound sentence is two or more independent clauses joined together by (1) a
comma and a coordinating conjunction, (2) a semi-colon, or (3) a semicolon and a
conjunctive adverb such as therefore, however, or consequently followed by a comma.
Example: Cora hung colorful streamers from the ceiling, and Kareem set party favors on
the tables.
Complex sentences contain one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.
Example: When they had finished their work, they complimented each other on the
results. (Underline the independent clause, then circle the subordinate clause)
Compound-complex sentences contain two or more independent clauses and at least one
subordinate clause.
Example: Cora waited for just the right moment to ask Kareem to the banquet, and he
promptly accepted her invitation, adding that he had been planning to ask her. (Underline
the independent clauses, then circle the subordinate clause/s)
Style Tip: Paragraphs with repetitive sentence structure (esp. simple) can be monotnous
to read. Draw your readers in by varying your sentence structure, and add meaningful
variation that calls attention to your purpose!
Computer Tip: By inserting a return or a page break after every period, you can easily
view the sentences in a vertical list and compare the structures of each sentence! Then,
make your revisions for accuracy and style!