Classifying Sentences Based on Clauses

Classifying Sentences Based on Clauses Edit

A sentence can be classified based on the number and kinds of clauses that it contains.

1. Simple 2. Compound 3. Complex 4. Compound-Complex Transitional Words Quick Practice

1. Simple Sentence

A simple sentence contains a single independent clause. It may contain a compound subject, a compound predicate, or both. The important thing to remember is that it is made up of only one independent clause and does not contain any dependent clause.

The following illustrate the variety of simple sentences. The predicates are underlined.

Eva wrote a book.Simple subject and simple predicate

Eva and her husband wrote a book.Compound subject and simple predicate

Eva wrote and published a book.Simple subject and compound predicate

Eva and her husband wrote and published a book.Compound subject and compound predicate

2. Compound Sentence

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses. The clauses may be joined by a conjunction. A semicolon may also join them.

Eve wrote a book. Simple sentence

Her husband published it. Simple sentence

Combine the two simple sentences to form a compound sentence:

Eve wrote a book, but her husband published it.

Using Comma and Semicolon

A comma may express a slight break in the thought expressed.

In combining simple sentences into a compound sentence, you may: use a comma before a conjunction, use a semicolon without a conjunction, or use a conjunction without a comma.

Eve wrote a book, but her husband published it.

The sentence could also be written:

Eve wrote a book; her husband published it.

Eve wrote a book but her husband published it.

When the independent clauses of a compound sentence are very long, or have internal punctuation, a semicolon is generally used before the coordinate conjunction. Internal punctuation means that there are commas within one or both of the independent clauses.

I missed my children, especially in the late afternoons; but, I managed to cope.

A comma should not join two independent clauses unless a coordinate conjunction is used. When a writer uses only a comma between the independent clauses of a compound sentence, he makes the error known as the comma fault.

President Juan campaigned hard in the cities, he also visited the remote towns. ❌ Comma fault

Comma fault – the sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined solely by a comma.

To eliminate the error, you may do the following:

President Juan campaigned hard in the cities; he also visited the remote towns. ✅ Use of a semicolon

President Juan campaigned hard in the cities, and he also visited the remote towns. ✅ Use of a conjunction with a comma

President Juan campaigned hard in the cities and he also visited the remote towns. ✅ Use of a conjunction without a comma

President Juan campaigned hard in the cities. He also visited the remote towns. ✅ Punctuate the two independent clauses as two simple sentences

Run-on sentence: similar to a comma fault. The only difference is that a run-on sentence consists of two or more independent statements that are run together without any punctuation or connecting word.

President Juan campaigned hard in the cities he also visited the remote towns. ❌ Run-on sentence

Transitional words can also be used to connect two independent clauses of a compound sentence. A semicolon always precedes connectives that belong to this group.

Commonly Used Transitional Words

Accordingly	indeed	as a result
Afterwards	likewise	at last
Again	meanwhile	at the same time
Anyhow	moreover	for example
Besides	namely	for instance
Consequently	nevertheless	for this reason
Doubtless	next	in any case
Eventually	otherwise	in fact
Evidently	perhaps	in like manner
Finally	possibly	in short
Furthermore	still	on the contrary
Hence	then	on the other hand
However	therefore	that is
Yet	thus	in addition

Rain is our choice for the post; besides, he is the only one qualified.

Yul was in the shower; meanwhile, I finished cleaning the dishes.

We paid them as scheduled; as a result, we were given discounts.

3. Complex Sentence

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The dependent clauses are underlined.

Before the cock crows twice, you will disown me three times.

She went to the bank when it was convenient.

4. Compound-Complex Sentence

A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. (Independent clauses are in bold letters; dependent clauses are underlined.)

While I was waiting for you, our teacher passed by and she inquired about your health.

I have to endure the heat, although I am feeling exhausted; moreover, I need to win this race.

Quick Practice

Tap each item to check your answer.

1. Classify: "Eve wrote a book, but her husband published it."

Compound sentence – two independent clauses joined by but.

2. Correct the comma fault: "The rain stopped, we went outside."

The rain stopped; we went outside. (or: The rain stopped, and we went outside.)

3. Classify: "Although it was late, she kept studying."

Complex sentence – one independent clause (she kept studying) and one dependent clause (Although it was late).

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