Simple, Compound, Complex, and

Compound-Complex Sentences

A simple sentence has one independent

clause. It has one subject and one verb.

Either one can be compound. It cannot have

another independent clause or any

subordinate clauses.

high cholesterol

and high blood pressure.

Subje

ct

Verb

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses which can be joined with a coordinating conjunction(for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semi-colon (;). A compound sentence cannot have any subordinate or dependent clauses.

Grammar is your friend, and your teacher is your guide.

Subje

ct

Verb

Subje

ct

Coordinating

Conjunction

A complex sentence contains one

independent clause and at least one

dependent clause. These sentences use

subordinating conjunctions to link the

clauses.

you learn your grammar, you could be

labeled “College Ready” by May.

Sub.

Conj Sub/Dep Clause

Independent Clause

A compound-complex sentence has at least

two independent clauses and at least one

dependent clause.

I want to drive to work, but I had to take

the bus because my car was in the shop.

Coord.

ConjIndependent Clause

Sub/Dep. Clause

Independent Clause

Sub

Conj.