SENTENCE PATTERNS: SIMPLE, COMPOUND AND COMPLEX

SENTENCES
A. What is a sentence?

SENTENCE

A group of words that contains - a subject

- a verb
- a complete thought
- an independent clause
- ends with a punctuation

These are sentences:

1. He is a student
2. Speed kills
3. Its hot today
4. Are you hungry?
5. He looks tired
6. Whos there?
7. The man bought a new car.
8. Does your sister live with you?
9. Where did you buy your new car?
10. Hurry! (The subject in this sentence is you)
These are not sentences:
11. Hot weather. (There is no verb)
12. The man bought. (This is a complete thought)
13. Because it rained. (This is not a complete thought)
14. Is very handsome. (There is no subject)
15. Every morning before breakfast. (There is no subject or verb)

Every sentence must have at least one subject and one verb. Subjects and verbs
are the most important parts of a sentence.
Some sentences must have other parts in order to express a complete thought.
The subject of a sentence is always expressed except in interjection.

B. What is a subject?
SUBJECT

tells who or what did something.

It is a noun or pronoun

Examples:
1. My roommate lost the keys to his car.
(Who lost the keys? - my roommate)
2. The car hit the pedestrian.
( What hit the pedestrian? the car)

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3. Skiing and snowboarding are my favourite winter sports.

(What are my favourite winter sports?- skiing and snowboarding)
C. What is a verb?
VERB

tells the action

Links the subject with the rest of the sentence

ACTION VERBS:
1. The car hits the pedestrian.
2. My family lives in a two-bedroom apartment.
3. My roommate lost his car keys.
4. His girlfriend found them.
LINKING VERBS:
1. Snow skiing is my favourite winter sport.
2. I feel sick.
3. You look hungry.
4. I am lucky that my roommate is a good cook.
SENTENCE PATTERNS: SIMPLE, COMPOUND AND COMPLEX
A sentence is a group of words which contains a subject and a verb and which expresses a
complete idea. The subject tells who or what the sentence is about. The verb tells who or
what the sentence is about. The verb tells what the subject is doing or what is being done
to the subject.
SUBJECT VERB
The heavy rains ruined our plans.
Our television set was out of order.
Susan teaches English
A sentence may either be simple, compound or complex. All sentences must contain one or
more independent clauses. In other words, all sentences must be able to stand alone.
SIMPLE SENTENCES
Simple sentences may consist of any of the following patterns.
1. a sentence with only one subject and one verb:
Our team won the softball game.
In this sentence, team is the subject and won is the verb. Since this group of words
expresses a complete idea and has a subject and a verb, it is a simple sentence or
independent clause.
2. a sentence with more than one subject:
Marta and Cary ate at the Hoagie Hut.
In this sentence, the subjects are Marta and Cary; the verb is ate. This sentence consists of
a compound subject and a single verb, but because it also expresses only one main idea, it
is a simple sentence or independent clause.

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3. a sentence with more than one verb:

The newsmen watched and waited for the Space Shuttle to lift off.
The subject in this sentence is newsmen. The newsmen did two things: they watched and
they waited. The verbs in this sentence are watched and waited. In this sentence, there is
only one subject with a compound verb.
4. a sentence with several subjects and several verbs:
Elaine, Robin, Marta and Cary swam in the morning and played tennis in the
evening.
The sentence above has four subjects: Elaine, Robin, Marta and Cary, and it has two
verbs: swam and played. This sentence, however, is still a simple sentence (despite having
a compound subject and a compound predicate - it is still only one combination of these
two elements).
See Exercise 1 and Exercise 2
COMPOUND SENTENCES
A compound sentence is a sentence that has two independent clauses. An independent
clause is a group of words which has a subject and a verb and which is able to stand alone
as a sentence. When two independent clauses are joined tog her to form one sentence, a
compound sentence is created.
Here are some examples of two independent clauses joined to form a compound sentence:
1. The little girl behaved, but her brother misbehaved.
2. My headache became worse, so I took two aspirins.
3. Carmen arrived late, for her car did not start.
To create a compound sentence, join two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating
conjunction. There are seven coordinating conjunctions:
And = addition/also
But = opposition
For = because
Or = choice
Nor = none/not
So = as a result
Yet = nevertheless/but
Two independent clauses may also be joined by a semicolon (;). The semicolon may be used in
place of the comma and the coordinating conjunction which are used to join the two independent
clauses in a compound sentence. Look at the following.
1. I prepared well for the test, so I made an A.
I prepared well for the test; I made an A.
2. John is an architect, but his wife is a demolition engineer.
John is an architect; his wife is a demolition engineer.
3. We missed out flight, for we arrived late to the airport.
We missed our flight; we arrived late to the airport.
The first sentence of each group contains two simple sentences (independent clauses)
combined into a compound sentence by a comma and a coordinating conjunction. The
second sentence of each group contains two simple sentences (independent clauses)
combined into a compound sentence by a semicolon. In both cases, nevertheless, the
sentences remain compound.

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A semicolon should be used only when the independent clauses being joined are very
closely related in thought. That is, when the meaning the sentence will produce is clear.
Following are a few examples:
1. We played racquetball in the morning, and we played tennis in the afternoon. Or
We played racquetball in the morning; we played racquetball in the afternoon.
2. Bruce offered Bert to sell him the sunglasses, but Bert refused to buy it. Or
Bruce offered Bert to sell him the sunglasses; Bert refused to buy it.
3. Cary will become a teacher, or she will become a lawyer.
In sentence number three, a semicolon should not be used to join the two independent
clauses (simple sentences) together because the meaning of the sentence will not be
clearly understood.
Cary will become a teacher; she will become a lawyer.
By reading this sentence, you can see that it is not clear who she refers to. It could be
Cary or someone else. Also, we do not know if the sentence means that Cary will
become a teacher or lawyer, or both. Because of this, a semicolon should not be used;
a comma and a coordinating conjunction should be used instead to make the meaning
of the sentence clear.
Note:
When there are two complete sentences in a compound sentence, each has equal weight
in terms of the ideas being presented. That is, you may want to link sentences into a
compound to show that their ideas are equally important.
4. The linking word shows the relationship between the ideas:
and = the 2nd sentence contains the same type of idea
but = the 2nd sentence contains an equal but opposite idea
or = the 2nd sentence contains an equal choice
so = the 2nd sentence contains an equally important outcome or result

See Exercise 3, Exercise 4 and Exercise 5

COMPLEX SENTENCES
A complex sentence is a sentence made up of two types of clauses: independent and
dependent clauses. The word independent means, not under control of others; free;
separate. Therefore, an independent clause is one that is capable of being a
sentence. Look at the following examples:
1. I was very late this morning.
2. My car needed a new set of tires.
3. It rained a lot this weekend.
A dependent clause is the opposite of an independent clause. A dependent clause
cannot stand alone because it is not a complete sentence. As the word dependent
suggests, it is something needing support or help from another. A dependent clause must
depend on an independent clause in order to make its meaning complete. If it does not, the
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dependent clause becomes a fragment. A fragment is an incomplete sentence or a part

of a sentence. Look at the following:
1. Because the car would not start.
2. Since it is time to leave.
3. After we ate breakfast.
These dependent clauses are fragments. Each is missing an independent clause which
would make its meaning complete.
A dependent clause always begins with a subordinating conjunction. The subordinating
conjunction is what causes the clause to become an dependent clause. The moment a
subordinating conjunction is placed at the beginning of a clause, that clause can no longer
stand alone; it no longer expresses a complete, clear idea. Following is a list of the most
common subordinating conjunctions:
After

Although

As, as if

Because

Before

Even, even though

If

Since

So that

That

Though

Unless

Until

When, whenever

Wherever

While

Complex sentences may have the dependent clause coming first or last in the sentence.
When a dependent clause comes first, it is always separated from the independent clause
by a comma. Look at the following sentence.
Because I was hungry, I went to eat lunch.
(dependent clause) (independent clause)
In this sentence, the dependent clause is because I was hungry. The clause begins with
the subordinating conjunction because, and it comes at the beginning of the sentence.
Since it appears at the beginning of the sentence, it is separated from the independent
clause by a comma. When the dependent clause comes last in the sentence, then no
comma becomes necessary. Look at the following.
I went to eat lunch because I was hungry.
(independent clause) (dependent clause)
Do not place a comma before the subordinating conjunction because. Look at the
sentences again.
Because I was hungry, I went to eat lunch.
I went to eat lunch because I was hungry.

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In the first sentence, the comma appeared after the word hungry. In the second sentence,
after we moved the clauses around, the word hungry became the last word of the sentence.
If we were to place the comma in the second sentence, it should be placed after the word
hungry, just like it was in the first sentence. However, we cannot do so because a sentence
cannot end with a comma; it must end with a period. Thus, no comma is needed when the
dependent clause appears at the end of the sentence. Look at the following additional
examples.
1.
2.
1.
2.

While we waited for you to arrive, we played gin rummy.

We played gin rummy while we waited for you to arrive.
Even though I was tired, I helped Yanelle with her English homework.
I helped Yanelle with her English homework even though I was tired.

Finally, there is one more thing you must consider when you are creating a complex
sentence. You must carefully select the subordinating conjunction. You must think of the
meaning you want your complex sentence to bring across. The wrong subordinating
conjunction may change the meaning you intended. Study the following.
1. Dinner was great because Elaine cooked it.
2. Dinner was great even though Elaine cooked it.
The first sentence says that the dinner was great because Elaine, a good cook, had
prepared it. The second sentence, on the other hand, says that the dinner was great
despite the fact that Elaine, a poor cook, had prepared it. As you can see, you must be
careful when choosing the subordinating conjunction. You must be sure to select the
conjunction which best gives the meaning you intend.

See Exercise 6, Exercise 7, Exercise 8, Exercise 9 and Exercise 10

Compound-Complex Sentences.
A compound-complex sentence has the characteristics of both the compound sentence
(two or more clauses) and the complex sentence (at least one dependent or
subordinate clause).
Even though government aid finally came, many people had already been reduced to
poverty, and others had been forced to move.
NOTE: a clause must contain a stated subject and at least one verb.
An Independent clause must also express a complete thought and be able to stand alone.

See Exercise 11 and Exercise 12.

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EXERCISE 1
Write an S next to the words which are simple sentences. Write an X next to the words
which are not sentences.
_________1. Alyssa and Pedro had planned to marry.
_________2. I have to eat liver.
_________3. The green chair which is by the door.
_________4. The student who was talking to Dr. Steinmetz.
_________5. My favourite colour is blue not orange.
_________6. Rudy and I met at a New Years party.
_________7. Melissa and Katie are Martas daughters.
_________8. To the party that Ariel was giving at his house.
_________9. Because of the high rate of inflation.
_________10. Last month, the President announced more budget cutting plans.
Exercise 2
Write two simple sentences for each of the following patterns:
1. two simple sentences with a single subject and a single verb
2. two simple sentences with a compound subject ad a single verb
3. two simple sentences with a single subject annnd a compound verb
4. two simple sentences with a compound subject and a compound verb
Exercise 3
Combine the following pairs of simple sentences into compound sentences.
1. I studied hard.
Tomorrow I have a difficult exam.
2. We went to the park for our annual barbecue.
It rained as soon as we arrived.
3. The food was delicious.
We ate all of it.
4. Elaine bought a Lotto ticket.
She won!
5. I will go with you to the concert.
I will go with Robert to the football game.

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Exercise 4:
Write an appropriate coordinating conjunction for each of the following sentences.
1. Alfredo practiced for the basketball game, __________ then he studied for his math
test.
2. I usually do poorly in math, __________ I did well in algebra.
3. Elena and Ivonne exercise every day, __________ it makes them feel great.
4. My cat was ill, __________ I rushed him to the veterinarian.
5. I will travel to Mexico this summer, __________ I will stay home and save some
money.
Exercise 5:
Complete the following sentences by adding an independent clause after each coordinating
conjunction.
1. I never eat hot dogs, but
______________________________________________
2. She wants to move to California, and
___________________________________
3. We decided to take a vacation, for
______________________________________
4. I have a test tomorrow morning, so
_____________________________________
5.
I will purchase a new car, or
__________________________________________
6. The semester is almost over, so
________________________________________
7. My mother-in-law dislikes me, but
_____________________________________
8. I bought a new outfit for the party, and
__________________________________
9. Elaine and I have been best friends since the sixth grade, for
_________________
10. We will work together, or
____________________________________________

Exercise 6:
Turn each of the following groups of sentences into complex sentences. Select an
appropriate subordinating conjunction for each sentence. Write each combination twice.
The first time, have the dependent clause appear at the beginning of the sentence; the
second time, have the dependent clause appear last. Be careful how you punctuate the
sentences.
1. I had read the book.
I could not remember the ending.
A. ______________________________
B. ______________________________
2. These trees will not grow.
They are fertilized.
A. ______________________________
B. ______________________________

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3. Doraine left her office.

Shirley arrived.
A. _____________________________
B. _____________________________
4. I will trust you.
You tell me the whole truth.
A. ____________________________
B ____________________________
5. Yoli sneezed a lot.
She was around too many flowers.
A. ____________________________
B. ____________________________
Exercise 7:
Write an appropriate subordinating conjunction in the blank of each of the following
sentences.
1. ____________________ it is raining, Louise is not going to class.
2. I was happy for the winning team _________________ we had lost the game.
3. The play was cancelled _________very few tickets had been sold by opening night.
4. Begum, clean your shoes ____________________ you enter the house.
5. _________________ the football game ended, we went out for pizza and beer.
Exercise 8:
Write a complex sentence using each of the subordinating conjunctions listed below.
1. Unless ____________________________________________________________
2. If ________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________
while _____________________________________________________________
4. Whenever _________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________
since _____________________________________________________________
6. __________________________________________________________________
so that ____________________________________________________________
7. Although _________________________________________________________
8. As _______________________________________________________________
9. __________________________________________________________________
because __________________________________________________________
10.
__________________________________________________________________
when _____________________________________________________________
11. Until___________________________________________________________
12. After _____________________________________________________________
13.
________________________________________________________________
before ____________________________________________________________
14. Because __________________________________________________________
15. When ____________________________________________________________

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Exercise 9:
Decide which of the following are complete complex sentences and which are
fragments (dependent clauses). Write CX next to the complete complex sentences and
F next to the fragments (dependent clauses).
1. __________ Because the seminar was most interesting.
2. __________ I had just left when you telephoned.
3. __________ After we had done all the work.
4. __________ Although he is probably very honest.
5. __________ Since heavy rains flooded the area last night.
6. __________ We stayed on the beach until the sun had set.
7. __________ Whenever Ariel eats eggs, he breaks out in a rash.
8. __________ If I were you.
9. __________ We go with them wherever they go.
10. _________ My husband watched the baby so that I could finish preparing dinner.
Exercise 10:
Identifying Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences
1. Sara began planning her summer vacation in December
2. Because I left the play early, I missed the surprise ending
3. Tanya was invited to a party, so she wants to buy a new outfit
4. After Alison finished playing the video game, she shut down the computer
5. Because of rain, the baseball game was postponed
6. For Halloween, each of the children had dressed up as a different Disney character;
however, not one of them had dressed up as Mickey Mouse
7. Some of the books in the library will be given to charity
8. After the hurricane, many of the offices needed new carpeting
9. The meaning of this poem is difficult to understand
10. Joe and his brother went fishing last weekend and caught lots of fish
11. Duane doesn't think he passed the test, although he studied several hours last night
12. The team had won the championship last year and was determined to win it again
13. Since we bought our new wide-screen television, the prices have dropped dramatically
14. My father and mother ate too much at our family reunion
15. Fiona became interesting in long-distance running several years ago; in fact, she ran in
the New York Marathon last year

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Exercise 11:
Identify a simple sentence, compound sentence, complex sentence, or a compoundcomplex sentence, you may try this simple exercise.
1. Ottawa is the capital of Canada, but Toronto is the capital of Ontario.
1.

Simple Sentence

2.

Compound Sentence

3.

Complex Sentence

4.

Compound-Complex Sentence
2. Democracy is a noble goal; it is important, however, to protect the minority from the
tyranny of the majority.

1.

Simple Sentence

2.

Compound Sentence

3.

Complex Sentence

4.

Compound-Complex Sentence
3. I do not own a Porsche.

1.

Simple Sentence

2.

Compound Sentence

3.

Complex Sentence

4.

Compound-Complex Sentence
4. Call your father as soon as you arrive in Antigonish.

1.

Simple Sentence

2.

Compound Sentence

3.

Complex Sentence

4.

Compound-Complex Sentence
5. I ate the sushi and left the restaurant.

1.

Simple Sentence

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2.

Compound Sentence

3.

Complex Sentence

4.

Compound-Complex Sentence
6. Unless my girlfriend postpones her visit from Calgary, I will not have time to study
for my exam.

1.

Simple Sentence

2.

Compound Sentence

3.

Complex Sentence

4.

Compound-Complex Sentence
7. Susanne wanted to be here, but she cannot come because her car is in the shop.

1.

Simple Sentence

2.

Compound Sentence

3.

Complex Sentence

4.

Compound-Complex Sentence
8. The football game was cancelled because it was raining.

1.

Simple Sentence

2.

Compound Sentence

3.

Complex Sentence

4.

Compound-Complex Sentence
9. The football game was cancelled because of the rain.

1.

Simple Sentence

2.

Compound Sentence

3.

Complex Sentence

4.

Compound-Complex Sentence
10. When the train arrives and if Ms. Langlois is on it, she will be served with a
subpoena.

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1.

Simple Sentence

2.

Compound Sentence

3.

Complex Sentence

4.

Compound-Complex Sentence
Exercise 12:
Identify each sentence as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complexbe ready to
explain your choice.

1. Joseph Pulitzer endowed the Pulitzer Prizes.

2. Pulitzer, incidentally, was the publisher of a New York newspaper.
3. The student knew that he would not pass the class
4. He knew this because he had not handed in any work during the whole semester
and had failed the exam.

5. Although the first prizes were for journalism and letters only, Pulitzers are now
awarded in music and other areas.

6. For example, Berke Breathed won for his Bloom County comic strip, and Roger
Reynolds won for his musical composition Whispers Out of Time.

7. Although only one prize is usually awarded in each category, in 1989 Taylor
Branchs Parting the Waters won a history prize, and it shared the honor with
James McPhersons Battle Cry of Freedom.

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