At a glance
Sentences by structure
- Simpleone main clause
- I like tea.
- Compoundmain + main (and, but, or, so)
- I like tea, but my sister likes coffee.
- Complexmain + dependent (because, when, if, who…)
- I drink tea when I am tired.
- Compound-complextwo main + one dependent or more
- I like tea, but I drink coffee when I work late.
- Start
- Is there only one subject + verb pair?YesSimpleThe children played in the park.
- Are there two main clauses and a dependent clause?YesCompound-complexIt rained, so we stayed in because we were cold.
- Are two main clauses joined by and, but, or, so, yet?YesCompoundIt rained, so we stayed in.
- Complex: one main clause + one dependent clauseWe stayed in because it rained.
Simple sentences
The dog barked.
Tom and Ann sang and danced. (still one clause)
Compound sentences
It was raining, so we stayed at home.
I like tea, but my sister likes coffee.
- Use a comma before and, but, or, so when they join two main clauses.
Complex sentences
We stayed at home because it was raining.
Call me when you get home.
The girl who won is my cousin.
Compound-complex sentences
It was raining, so we watched a film that my brother had bought.
Practice
Answer the questions. Get 7 out of 10 to finish this lesson.