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TYPES OF SENTENCES
Types of sentences: simple, compound,

and complex

There are four types of sentences according to structure. In this unit, we will
examine the three most basic types: simple, compound and complex sentences.

1. SIMPLE AND COMPOUND SENTENCES

Types Examples Notes

S+ V
Travelling increases our
Simple
knowledge.

Travelling increases our

knowledge, so it is an important
part of education.
S1+ V1+ linking words+ S2+ V2
Travelling increases our
Compound knowledge; therefore, it is an
important part of education.

Travelling increases our

knowledge; it is an important part
of education.

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But: express contrast

My father may come, but my mother may not.

Yet: express a surprising contrast

He has a very good job, yet he seems to never have any money.
He is overweight and bald, yet I think he is very attractive.

*Nor: cũng không

I don’t like this movie, and nor does he.

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EXERCISE 1:

Two clauses of one compound sentence can also be linked by a conjunctive adverb:

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Combine the following pairs:

Sentence 2-3
Sentence 4-5
Sentence 8-9
Sentence 11-12
Sentence 13-14

2. COMPLEX SENTENCES
- A complex sentence has two closely related ideas.
✔ The main idea can stand alone as a sentence. The other idea cannot stand
alone as a sentence; it depends on the main idea to make sense.
✔ The main idea that can stand alone as a sentence is called the main
(independent) clause.

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✔ The idea that cannot stand alone as a sentence is the subordinate
(dependent) clause.
- The words that connect the dependent to the independent clause are called
connectors
✔ If the connector is at the beginning of the sentence, you must use a comma after
the dependent clause.
(connector + DC + , + IC)
✔ If the connector is used between the independent and dependent clause, a
comma is not required
(IC + connector + DC)

For example:

[After the storm arrived on the island], {the trees began to fall.}
connector dependent clause independent clause

{The trees began to fall} [after the storm arrived on the island.]
independent clause connector dependent clause

Common Connectors Used with Complex Sentences

after - After I graduate from school, I will work in a bank.
before - Before we finish this term, we’ll have a final test.
when - When Yuri goes back to the Ukraine, he will never come back to Canada.
until - We are going to stay until the rain stops.
whenever - Whenever the sun goes down, the temperature drops to freezing.
if - If I have three children, I will be busy.
because - I couldn’t attend college yesterday because I was ill.
even if - Even if the weather is nice, I will not go shopping.
even though - Even though I go shopping in a large supermarket, I can’t find my
country’s food.
although - Although the weather is nice, they can’t go swimming.
unless - I can’t go to Africa unless I have enough money.

EXERCISE 3: Punctuate the following sentences:

1. Water plays a crucial role in our life however our sources of water are being polluted.

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2. Water plays a crucial role in our life however our sources of water are being polluted.
(second way).
3. I like loud music but my parents cannot stand it.
4. I am waiting for the sales because I am on budget right now.
5. Because I am on budget right now I am waiting for the sales
6. I am waiting for the sales as I am on budget right now.
7. I am on budget right now so I will wait for the sales.
8. I am on budget right now therefore I will wait for the sales.
9. For example some people may get culture shock when traveling abroad.
10. Some people for example may get culture shock when traveling abroad.
11. When traveling abroad some people for example may get culture shock.
12. Inflation rises economic depression happens.
13. I know who you really are and I respect that.
14. Action movies are full of chasing and shooting which is thrilling to watch.
15. She went downstairs looked at John and gave him an apple.
16. If you hold the door open for too long the alarm will sound.
17. After I had typed the document I found some mistakes so I looked them up and
changed them.
18. Whenever I watch Doraemon I laugh a lot.

EXERCISE 4: Complete the passage with the given words

Before When First Next finally
As soon as After (x2) While Until
(1)_________ I was 16, I learnt to kite surf (2)_______ I was on holiday. (3) _______
going in the sea, you do a short course on the beach with an instructor. (4) _______ you
fly a small kite (5) _______ you can do it well. (6) ______ you learn to use a much
bigger kite to pull you through the water. (7) _______ you can try to fly the kite with your
feet on a board. It is hard at first, but (8) ________ a while I started to feel more
confident and I loved it. (9) ______ doing it several times, I’ve become quite good at it
and (10) _______ I have money, I will buy my own kite and board.

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