A simple sentence has one main clause: “The puppy slept.” A compound sentence joins two main clauses with a coordinating conjunction: “We lost, but we had fun.” A complex sentence has a main clause and at least one subordinate clause: “When the rain stopped, we went outside.”
A compound-complex sentence has at least two main clauses and one subordinate clause: “When the alarm rang, Jo woke up, but Ali kept sleeping.”
Writers vary their sentences for effect. A short simple sentence can create shock; a long complex sentence can build detail. Minor sentences such as “Silence.” can be used deliberately in fiction.
Worked example
Identify the structure: “Although the forecast was bad, the climbers set off, and they reached the summit.”
- Main clauses: the climbers set off; they reached the summit.
- Subordinate clause: although the forecast was bad.
Answer:compound-complex
Key words
- main clause
- a clause that can stand alone
- subordinate clause
- a clause that depends on a main clause
- minor sentence
- a sentence without a main verb, used for effect
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.7.1b