Sentence Structure

Why Sentence Structure Matters

Varying your sentence structure makes writing more interesting and precise. There are four main types.

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence has one independent clause: one subject and one predicate.

• She ran.
• The tall building collapsed suddenly.

It can have a compound subject or predicate and still be simple: Jack and Jill ran is still simple.

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence joins two or more independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon.

• I was tired, so I went to bed.
• She loves reading; he prefers sport.

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, joined by a subordinating conjunction.

• Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
• She studied hard so that she would pass.

Compound-Complex Sentences

These combine both: two independent clauses + at least one dependent clause.

• Although it rained, we played outside, and we had a great time.