Sentence Types

Question 1

What is a ‘simple sentence’?

Answer 1

A simple sentence contains 1 independent clause that makes sense on its own, it will also contain a verb.

Question 2

What is a ‘compound sentence’?

Answer 2

A compound sentence contains 2 or more independent clauses that makes sense on its own. The verb/clauses are joined by coordinating conjunctions (but, and, or). We don’t include the coordinating conjunctions in the clauses.

Question 3

What is a ‘complex sentence’?

Answer 3

A complex sentence contains a main clause and 1 or more subordinate clauses. The main clause makes sense on its own but the subordinate clause doesn’t make sense on it’s own. The main clause and the subordinate clause can be linked by a comma and/or subordinating conjunctions (although, when, because, etc). The comma/subordinating conjunctions are not included in the clauses.

Question 4

What is a ‘minor sentence’?

Answer 4

Minor sentences lack a subject or a main verb, they are an incorrect sentence - but we can still understand what they mean. Eg, wish you were here, no parking!, cheers (can also be a question).