Three Sentence Types

Level 1 CompositionFall 2013

Jessica Montgomerie

1. Simple SentenceA simple sentence – or independent clause— contains at least one subject and one verb.

Copy these examples: She is a teacher. After lunch, she plans her lessons for the next day.

Find the subject and the verb.

1. Simple Sentence

A simple sentence – or independent clause— contains at least one subject and one verb. • She is a teacher.

• After lunch, she plans her lessons for the next day.

Compound subjects, verbs, or objects:

Copy these examples:

• My husband and I drink coffee in the afternoon.

• My husband and I drink coffee and eat dates in the afternoon.

• Do you prefer coffee or tea?

Compound subjects, verbs, or objects:

• My husband and I drink coffee in the afternoon.

• My husband and I drink coffee and eat dates in the afternoon.

• Do you prefer coffee or tea?

2. Compound Sentence

A compound sentence is two simple sentences (independent clauses) combined with a conjunction.

Which words are conjunctions?

3. Complex Sentence

A complex sentence contains two clauses: the main, independent clause and a weaker, dependent clause.

Independent Clause

• This is the main part of the sentence.• It can stand by itself– it is a complete idea.

Dependent Clause

• Begins with a subordinator (because, when, before, after)

• Gives me more information about the main clause

• Tells me the time or reason

Complex Sentences

Copy these examples: When I wake up, I eat breakfast first.

Then I like to sit and drink coffee while I check Facebook.

Underline the dependent clause.

Complex Sentences

Underline the dependent clause.

• When I wake up, I eat breakfast first.

• Then I like to sit and drink coffee while I check Facebook.

Complex SentencesCopy these examples:

After I finish my coffee, I take a shower and get dressed.

I usually hurry to get ready because I waste too much time on the internet.

Underline the dependent clause.

Complex SentencesUnderline the dependent clause.

• After I finish my coffee, I take a shower and get dressed.

• I usually hurry to get ready because I waste too much time on the internet.

Practice

1. Complete the sentences with because:

– You need to buy a warm coat…– She can’t buy a car…– I came to the U.S. to study…

2. Write your own sentences using because.