Sentence Structure

Overview

Sentence structure refers to how a sentence is built — how words, phrases, and clauses are put together. Good sentence structure helps writing flow clearly and keeps your ideas easy to understand.

Four main types of sentence structure

Simple Sentence

• Has one independent clause (a subject + verb that makes a complete thought)

• Example:

  • She runs every morning.

  • The dog barked.

Compound Sentence

• Has two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (like and, but, or, so)

• Example:

  • I wanted to go to the movies, but I didn’t have money.

  • He studied hard, and he passed the test.

 Complex Sentence

• Has one independent clause + one or more dependent clauses

• Example:

  • Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

  • She smiled when she saw her friend.

Compound-Complex Sentence

• Has two or more independent clauses + at least one dependent clause

• Example:

  • Although he was tired, he finished his homework, and he went to bed.

  • I cooked dinner, and my sister cleaned up after we ate.

 Remember

• • •  Independent clause = complete sentence

    •  Dependent clause = incomplete thought

    • Use commas when joining clauses correctly