Dependent and Subordinate Clauses – Simple, Complex, and Compound Sentences

Introduction

Understanding the structure of sentences is essential for mastering the English language. Sentences can be classified into three main types based on their structure: Simple, Complex, and Compound sentences. Each type involves different uses of dependent and subordinate clauses.

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought.

Examples:

The cat sleeps.
She walked to the store.
John plays the guitar.
They are watching a movie.
Mary reads every evening.

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. A dependent clause also contains a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought on its own and depends on the main clause.

Examples:

Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
She left early because she had a meeting.
When he arrives, we will start the meeting.
After the show ended, we went home.
If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Examples:

I wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining.
She cooked dinner, and he set the table.
We went to the park, yet it started to rain.
He was tired, so he went to bed early.
She likes to read books, and he enjoys listening to music.