Sentences
Simple, compound and complex sentences
Count the clauses in a sentence and name it simple, compound or complex.
Every sentence is built from clauses, and a clause is simply a subject with its own verb. Count the clauses, then look at how they are joined, and the name of the sentence falls out on its own. There are only three names to know.
Simple — one clause
The dog barked loudly. One subject, one verb, and it stands on its own. It can be short or long — The tall boy in the blue shirt ran all the way home is still simple, because there is still only one subject and one verb.
Compound — two clauses that could each stand alone
The dog barked and the baby woke up. Split it at the joining word and both halves are still whole sentences. The words that join equals are and, but, or, so, for, nor and yet.
Complex — one clause leans on the other
The baby woke up because the dog barked. "Because the dog barked" cannot stand alone; it depends on the other half. Words like because, although, when, if, until, while and since all make a clause dependent.
The test that never fails
Cover one half of the sentence. If both halves still work as sentences on their own, it is compound. If one of them is left dangling, it is complex.
Worked example
Name this sentence: "If you water the plant, it will grow."
Count the clauses. "you water the plant" and "it will grow" — two.
Two subject-and-verb pairs, so it cannot be simple.
Try it together
Let us name three sentences.
Look for the clauses first — each clause has its own subject and its own verb. Write simple, compound or complex.
1."The train left at six." What kind of sentence is this?
Have a go
"Although it was late, the shop was still open." What kind of sentence is this?
Ready to practise?
Eight questions on what you have just read. Nothing is timed, and you can play as many times as you like.