Developing Different Forms of Sentences
Sentence Form
Simple
Compound
Complex
Compound/Complex
Coordinating Conjunction
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
Elements
Contains a subject, a verb, and expresses
only one complete thought (one
independent clause).
Contains two or more independent clauses
joined by a comma and a coordinating
conjunction (FANBOYS).
Contains an independent and a
dependent clause.
Contains at least two independent clauses
and at least one dependent clause.
Sample Sentence
Bobbie watches television.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
after
even if
that
before
even though
unless
once
if
until
although
if only
when
as
in order to
whenever
as if
no that
where
as long as rather than
whereas
as though since
wherever
because
so that
while
still
than
Important considerations when constructing sentences
 When creating compound sentences, a comma
must be used in front of the coordinating
conjunction.
 When creating a complex sentence, the
subordinating conjunction can be placed at the
beginning of the sentence or in the middle of the
sentence.
 If the proper punctuation marks are NOT used,
sentences will lack coherency.
Bobbie enjoys watching television, but she prefers to
going to the movies.
If you are going to walk, be sure to stay on the path.
Be sure to stay on the path if you are going to walk.
If you are going to walk, be sure to say on the path; you
won’t get lost.