Level: B1-B2

Sentence Types — Simple, Compound, Complex

Identify the four basic sentence types. Simple (one clause), compound (two independent clauses joined by FANBOYS), complex (independent + dependent), compound-complex (mixed). 33 click-to-hear ESL examples.

📝 Conjunctions unit · lesson 9 of 11 ⏱ about 8 minutes 🔊 every example has audio

Builds on Coordinating Subordinating Next in unit Comma Splices →

Sentence types — quick guide

Sentences are categorized by the number and kind of clauses they contain. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb.

Independent clause = can stand alone as a sentence.
Dependent (subordinate) clause = cannot stand alone; needs an independent clause.

Type	Structure	Example
Simple	One independent clause	She studies English.
Compound	Independent + FANBOYS + Independent	She studies English, and her brother studies French.
Complex	Independent + subordinator + Dependent	She studies English because she wants to travel.
Compound-Complex	Two independent + at least one dependent	She studies English because she wants to travel, and her brother studies French.

Note on compound sentences: Two independent clauses can also be joined by a semicolon + conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover) — I was tired; however, I kept working. This is also a compound sentence. See the Conjunctive Adverbs vs Conjunctions quiz for that pattern.

📖 Want the full explanation? See English Conjunctions → Three types of sentences on the main grammar page.

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Simple — one independent clause
She studies English. – Simple
The dog barked loudly. – Simple
I love coffee. – Simple
The sun is shining. – Simple
He bought a new car. – Simple
They went to the park. – Simple
My sister sings beautifully. – Simple
The flowers are blooming. – Simple
We finished the project. – Simple
Compound — two independent clauses + FANBOYS
She studies English, and her brother studies French. – Compound
It was raining, but we went out anyway. – Compound
You can stay, or you can leave. – Compound
She studied hard, so she passed the exam. – Compound
I was tired, yet I kept working. – Compound
He did not call, nor did he write. – Compound
The store was closed, so we came back later. – Compound
The hotel was nice, but it was expensive. – Compound
She loves music, and she plays the piano. – Compound
Complex — independent + subordinator + dependent
Because she was hungry, she made a sandwich. – Complex
I stayed home because it was raining. – Complex
We watched a movie while it was raining. – Complex
If you study hard, you will pass. – Complex
She smiled when she saw the puppy. – Complex
Although it was hot, we went hiking. – Complex
I will call you when I get home. – Complex
He left early because he was tired. – Complex
She works hard so that she can save money. – Complex
Compound-Complex — two independent + at least one dependent
She made a sandwich because she was hungry, and her brother made tea. – Compound-Complex
I stayed home because it was raining, but my brother went out. – Compound-Complex
When the rain stopped, we left, but the road was still wet. – Compound-Complex
She studied hard because she wanted to pass, and she did. – Compound-Complex
Although he was tired, he kept working, and he finished on time. – Compound-Complex
I went to bed early, but I could not sleep because I was anxious. – Compound-Complex

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