Sentence structure
simple, compound,
and complex
Professor Rabbaoui
Abdelhamid
Types of sentences
1. Simple : It has one independent clause
2. Compound : a combination of two independent
clauses by a coordinating conjunction ( Fanboys).
3. Complex : It has one dependent clause and one
independent clause
What is an independent clause ?
It is the state in which a sentence contains a subject and
a verb and it expresses a completed thought.
Example
Ahmed opened the door
What is a dependent /subordinate clause?
An independent clause is a sentence with no complete
thought.
Example
Because it was raining
Simple sentence
A simple sentence is a sentence that consists of only one
independent clause, which means it contains a subject and a
predicate (verb) and expresses a complete thought.
Importantly, a simple sentence has no dependent clauses, but it
can still contain compound subjects or verbs.
Simple sentences can have compound
subjects or compound verbs
The boy smiled and laughed = compound verb.
The table and chair need to be cleaned = compound
subject.
Compound Sentence
A combination of two independent clauses by a
coordinating conjunction ( Fanboys).
Fanboys: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
Example
1. Grace opened the door and she looked outside
2. It was raining so I took an umbrella
Complex sentences
Definition : They are composed of a dependent clause
and an independent clause
Dependent clause = not a complete thought
Independent clause = a complete thought
Example
1. When he won the reward, everyone cheered
2. I took my umbrella because it was raining
when he won the reward is the dependent clause.
Because it was raining is the dependent clause.
Relative clause
A relative clause is a type of dependent (or subordinate)
clause that provides additional information about a noun (its
antecedent) in the main clause. It typically begins with a
relative pronoun (like who, whom, whose, which, or that) or a
relative adverb (like where, when, or why).
Restrictive (Defining) Relative Clause:
Restrictive (Defining) Relative Clause:
Provides essential information about the noun. Without it, the
sentence's meaning would be incomplete or change.
• Example: The book that I borrowed is interesting. (The clause "that I
borrowed" defines which specific book.)
Non-restrictive (Non-defining) Relative Clause:
• Non-restrictive (Non-defining) Relative Clause:
Adds extra information that is not essential to identify the noun
but provides additional context.
Example: My brother, who lives in London, is visiting next week. (The
clause "who lives in London" gives extra information about "my
brother" but isn't necessary to understand the sentence.)