Types of Sentences Based on Structure
English sentences can be classified into three types based on their structure:
1. Simple Sentence
2. Compound Sentence
3. Complex Sentence
1.
Simple Sentence
A simple sentence has only one independent clause.
It expresses one complete idea and contains a subject and a verb.
Structure:
Subject + Verb (+ Object/Complement)
Examples:
● She reads books.
● The sun rises in the east.
● I love chocolate.
● They are playing in the park.
✔️ Note: A simple sentence does not have any dependent or subordinate clause.
2.
Compound Sentence
A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating
conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so — FANBOYS).
Structure:
Independent Clause + , + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause
Examples:
● I wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining.
● She cooked dinner, and he set the table.
● He did not study, so he failed the exam.
✔️ Note: Each part of a compound sentence can stand on its own as a complete sentence.
3.
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent
(subordinate) clause.
The dependent clause cannot stand alone.
Structure:
Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause
or
Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause
Subordinating Conjunctions: because, although, since, if, when, while, after, before, unless,
etc.
Examples:
● I went to bed because I was tired.
● Although it was raining, we went outside.
● She cried when she heard the news.
● If you study hard, you will succeed.
✔️ Note: The dependent clause adds extra information but cannot be a sentence by itself.
Subordinate Clause (Dependent Clause)
What is a Subordinate Clause?
A subordinate clause (also called a dependent clause) is a group of words that:
● Has a subject and a verb
● Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence
● Depends on the main (independent) clause to complete its meaning
It is usually introduced by a subordinating conjunction like:
because, although, since, if, when, while, unless, before, after, as, that, etc.
Types of Subordinate Clauses:
1.
Adverbial Clause
Acts like an adverb — it tells when, where, why, how, or under what condition something
happens.
Examples:
● I stayed home because it was raining. (reason)
● If you study hard, you will pass. (condition)
● When the bell rings, we will go to lunch. (time)
2.
Adjective Clause (Relative Clause)
Acts like an adjective — it describes a noun. Often introduced by who, whom, whose, which,
that.
Examples:
● The boy who won the prize is my friend.
● This is the book that I told you about.
● The girl whose bag was stolen is crying.
3.
Noun Clause
Acts like a noun — it can be a subject, object, or complement in the sentence. Often begins
with that, what, whatever, who, whom, whether, etc.
Examples:
● What she said is true. (subject)
● I don’t know where he lives. (object)
● The problem is that we are late. (complement)
QUICK TABLE
Sentence Type Clause(s) Used Example
Simple 1 Independent Clause She sings.
Compound 2 or more Independent I came, and he left.
Clauses
Complex 1 Independent + 1 or more I smiled because I was
Dependent Clauses happy.
Feature Subordinate Clause Independent Clause
Complete Sentence? ❌ No ✅ Yes
Needs Support? ✅ Yes — depends on main ❌ No — can stand alone
clause
Begins with? Subordinating conjunction / Often begins with subject
relative word
😇Examples in Complex Sentences:
1. Because I was tired, I went to sleep early.
→ Subordinate Clause: Because I was tired
→ Main Clause: I went to sleep early
2. She didn’t come although she was invited.
→ Subordinate Clause: although she was invited
→ Main Clause: She didn’t come
3. This is the man who helped me.
→ Subordinate Clause: who helped me
→ Main Clause: This is the man
