Types of sentences in terms of structure

Types of sentences in terms of structure

1. Simple Sentence

Definition

A simple sentence contains only one independent (main) clause.
It expresses one complete idea.

Note: A simple sentence may have a compound subject or compound verb, but it still has only one clause.

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Structure

Subject + Verb (+ Object/Complement)

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Rules

✔ Only one finite verb
✔ No dependent clause
✔ Can be long but still simple

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Examples

1.      She reads books.

2.      The boy is playing football.

3.      Ram and Sita are classmates.

4.      He bought a new mobile yesterday.

5.      The fat man painted the door green last week.

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Useful Tips

🔹 Do not confuse length with complexity
🔹 Look for number of clauses, not words
🔹 One clause = simple sentence

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2. Compound Sentence

Definition

A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses joined by:

• Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)
• A semicolon (;)

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Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

• For
• And
• Nor
• But
• Or
• Yet
• So

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Structure

Independent Clause + Conjunction + Independent Clause

OR

Independent Clause ; Independent Clause

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Rules

✔ Each clause can stand alone
✔ Use a comma before conjunction
✔ Meaning of both clauses is equal

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Examples

1.      I wanted to go out, but it was raining.

2.      She worked hard, and she passed the exam.

3.      He was tired; he continued working.

4.      You can study now, or you can fail later.

5.      Rahul called me, so I answered immediately.

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Useful Tips

🔹 Both clauses must make sense alone
🔹 FANBOYS always join equal ideas
🔹 Do not use subordinators here

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3. Complex Sentence

Definition

A complex sentence has:

• One independent (main) clause
• One or more dependent (subordinate) clauses

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Subordinating Conjunctions

because, although, if, when, while, since, after, before, unless, though, that, who, which, whom, whose

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Structure

Main Clause + Subordinate Clause

OR

Subordinate Clause + Main Clause

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Rules

✔ Dependent clause cannot stand alone
✔ Comma is needed when the dependent clause comes first
✔ Shows cause, time, condition, contrast, reason

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Examples

1.      I stayed home because it was raining.

2.      Although he is poor, he is honest.

3.      If you work hard, you will succeed.

4.      She knows the man who lives next door.

5.      When the bell rang, the students left the class.

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Useful Tips

Look for dependent clause markers
Ask: Can this clause stand alone?
Common in formal and academic writing

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Quick Comparison Table

Type	Clauses	Conjunction Type	Example
Simple	1 Independent	None	I like tea.
Compound	2 Independent	FANBOYS / ;	I like tea, but he likes coffee.
Complex	1 Independent + 1 Dependent	Subordinators	I like tea because it is healthy.