Sentences are the building blocks of all written language. Understanding the different types of sentences and how to use them effectively is key to becoming a skilled writer. There are three main types of sentences: simple sentences, compound sentences, and complex sentences.
Simple Sentences
A simple sentence contains one independent clause. An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. Here are some examples of simple sentences:
- Sarah ran.
- The dog barked loudly.
- We finished the project.
As you can see, each simple sentence contains only one subject and one predicate. While simple sentences can express complete thoughts, overusing them can make your writing seem choppy or unsophisticated. Effective writers use a variety of sentence structures to make their writing more engaging and persuasive.
Parts of a Simple Sentence
All complete sentences contain two main parts: the subject and the predicate. The subject refers to the person, place, or thing the sentence is about. The predicate tells something about the subject, usually containing a verb. Here are the subject and predicate parts for the simple sentences above:
| Sentence | Subject | Predicate |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah ran. | Sarah | ran |
| The dog barked loudly. | The dog | barked loudly |
| We finished the project. | We | finished the project |
Identifying the subject and predicate in a simple sentence can help you understand its basic structure. The subject usually appears at the beginning of the sentence, while the predicate follows the subject, containing the verb.
Compound Sentences
A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. The independent clauses can stand alone as complete simple sentences. Here are some examples of compound sentences:
- Sarah ran and Phil walked to the store.
- The dog barked loudly, but the cat slept through the noise.
- We finished the project, so we went out to dinner to celebrate.
Coordinating conjunctions used to connect clauses in compound sentences include words like: and, but, so, yet, or, nor, for. Compound sentences allow writers to expand ideas and elaborate on connections between concepts. However, they should be used carefully and not overdone in formal writing.
Parts of a Compound Sentence
Compound sentences contain two main independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. For example:
Sarah ran and Phil walked to the store.
This compound sentence contains two independent clauses: “Sarah ran” and “Phil walked to the store.” The conjunction “and” links these two clauses together in one sentence. Each clause has its own subject and predicate and could stand alone as a simple sentence.
When constructing compound sentences, it’s important to use coordinating conjunctions appropriately to connect clauses of equal importance and structure. This helps avoid common errors like comma splices or run-on sentences.
Complex Sentences
A complex sentence contains an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses. A dependent clause has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought, so it cannot stand alone. Here are some examples of complex sentences:
- Because she was late for work, Sarah ran to catch the train.
- The dog barked loudly when the mailman arrived.
- We finished the project more quickly than we had expected.
Complex sentences allow writers to be more specific and detailed in their ideas. Subordinating conjunctions like because, when, while, after, although, etc. introduce various types of dependent clauses that add additional description or clarification.
Parts of a Complex Sentence
Complex sentences contain one independent clause plus at least one dependent clause. For example:
Because she was late for work, Sarah ran to catch the train.
This complex sentence has two clauses: an independent clause “Sarah ran to catch the train” and a dependent clause “Because she was late for work.” The dependent clause provides the reason for Sarah’s running but cannot stand alone.
In a complex sentence, pay attention to the relationship between the independent and dependent clauses. The independent clause should be able to express a complete thought, while the dependent clause enhances the main idea.
Using a Variety of Sentences
The best writing uses a combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences to avoid monotony and add rhetorical impact. Here are some tips for constructing a variety of sentence structures:
- Use simple sentences for emphasis. They can deliver powerful, straightforward points.
- Combine clauses in compound sentences to show connections between ideas.
- Add descriptive detail and reasons with dependent clauses in complex sentences.
- Start sentences in different ways to vary structure. For example, you can begin with prepositional phrases or dependent clauses.
- Use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions to combine clauses and show relationships.
- Occasionally, use short sentences of just a few words for dramatic effect.
Varying your sentence length and structure keeps your writing engaging. Avoid overusing the same sentence patterns and lengths repeatedly. Check your writing for a good balance of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
Here is an example paragraph with diverse sentence structures:
Running to catch her train, Sarah realized her shoes were untied. She had woken up late after working past midnight on the big project. Rushing out the door with no coffee, she felt tired and distracted. In her haste, she had forgotten basic tasks like tying her shoes. Although she dreaded being late, Sarah stopped to fix them. After catching her breath, she walked briskly to the platform. There she waited patiently to begin her day.
This paragraph contains a mix of sentence openings, lengths, and structures. It combines simple, compound, and complex sentences by using coordinating and subordinating conjunctions as well as dependent clauses. The variety adds flow and dimension to the writing.
Practice Developing Sentence Variety
You can practice developing a variety of sentence structures in your own writing by following certain guidelines:
- When writing or editing, consciously alternate between simple, compound, and complex sentences.
- Start some sentences with phrases or dependent clauses instead of just the subject.
- Aim for sentences with different lengths and rhythms.
- Read your work aloud to hear how it flows. Change up choppy or monotonous patterns.
- Use coordinating conjunctions like and, but, so to combine clauses. Try starting sentences with them.
- Add dependent clauses beginning with words like because, although, when, since, while, etc. to expand sentences.
- Check for any run-ons or comma splices. Separate them into individual clauses.
- Don’t overdo complex sentences. Balance with simple sentences that emphasize key ideas.
With practice, you can train yourself to construct varied sentences automatically in your writing. A mix of structures engage readers and make your points clearly. Effective variation is a hallmark of skilled, polished writing.
Review of the 3 Main Sentence Structures
Here is a quick review of the three main types of sentences and their key features:
Simple Sentences
- Contain one independent clause
- Express a complete thought
- Have a subject and predicate
- Useful for emphasis, variety, and punchy statements
Compound Sentences
- Contain two or more independent clauses
- Joined by coordinating conjunctions like for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
- Show connections between ideas
- Avoid comma splices and run-ons
Complex Sentences
- Contain an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses
- Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions like because, although, since, when, while, etc.
- Add details, description, and reasons
- Should not be overused
Conclusion
Understanding simple, compound, and complex sentences is key to writing with variety. Simple sentences express one idea clearly. Compound sentences combine clauses and show connections. Complex sentences elaborate ideas through dependent clauses. Great writing uses all three structures to engage readers and communicate ideas.
Varying your sentence patterns adds interest and impact to your writing. Avoid overusing the same types of sentences and lengths. Use a mix of structures, coordinate and subordinate clauses, and start sentences in different ways. With practice, you can gain conscious control over your sentence patterns to improve your writing style.