Sentence Types and Functions

The document discusses the different types of sentences including simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences. It provides definitions and examples of each sentence type. The document also contains an activity that asks readers to identify sentence types and functions in example sentences.

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Sentence Types and Functions

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Sentence Types and Functions

What Is a Sentence?
• A sentence is a complete set of words that conveys meaning. A sentence can communicate
o a statement (I am studying.) o a command (Go away.) o an exclamation (I’m so excited!)
o a question (What time is it?)
• A sentence is composed of one or more clauses. A clause contains a subject and verb.
Independent and Dependent Clauses
• There are two types of clauses: independent
clauses and dependent clauses. A sentence
contains at least one independent clause and
may contain one or more dependent clauses.
• An independent clause (or main clause) o is
a complete thought.
o can stand by itself.
• A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) o
is an incomplete thought.
o cannot stand by itself.

You can spot a dependent clause by identifying the subordinating conjunction. A subordinating
conjunction creates a dependent clause that relies on the rest of the sentence for meaning. The
following list provides some examples of subordinating conjunctions.

 after although

 as because

 before even though

 if since

 though when

 while until

 unless whereas

Independent and Dependent Clauses

Independent clause: When I go to the movies, I usually buy popcorn.

Dependent clause: When I go to the movies, I usually buy popcorn.

Independent clause: I don’t like the ocean because sharks scare me.
Dependent clause: I don’t like the ocean because sharks scare me.

Sentence Types and Functions, Spring 2014.

1 of 3
What Are the Different Types of Sentences?
Sentences are divided into four categories: simple sentences, compound sentences, complex
sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
Simple Sentences

Definition A simple sentence contains one independent clause.

Examples • Johnny rode his bike to school.
• Who is your best friend?
• She ate her lunch, took a walk, and went back to work.
Compound Sentences

Definition A compound sentence contains two independent clauses. A coordinating

conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) often links the two
independent clauses and is preceded by a comma.
Examples • She wanted to go on vacation, so she saved up her money.
• I like apples, but my sister loves bananas.
• Tim loves to read, and he also loves to hike.
Complex Sentences

Definition A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more
dependent clauses. A complex sentence will include at least one
subordinating conjunction.
Examples • She went to class even though she was sick.
• As John was arriving to work, he realized he forgot his lunch.
• While I enjoy classical music, I prefer rock and roll because I play
the drums.
Compound-Complex Sentences

Definition  A compound-complex sentence combines complex sentence and

compound sentence forms. A compound-complex sentence contains
one or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
Examples  Although she felt guilty for missing her friend’s birthday, she took
her out to dinner the next day, and they had a great time.
 I try to eat healthy food, but because fast food is so convenient, I
cannot maintain a healthy diet.
 If he got the job, he would have to commute 50 miles to work, so he
decided the job was not worth it.

Sentence Types and Functions, Spring 2014. 2 of 3

Activity 1
Directions: Identify the sentence type. Circle any coordinating or subordinating conjunctions.
Underline independent clauses once and dependent clauses twice. Then, explain what function
the sentence is performing.

1. Harry Potter was rejected from many publishers before J.K. Rowling found success.