Three Kinds of Complete Sentences

The Simple Sentence  A simple sentence tells us who or  what  the sentence is about. Who or what (a person or a thing) is the subject of the sentence.  A simple sentence also tells us what the subject does, or that it exists  and where it is. Study the examples and answer questions .

Example The little girl pulled the cat's tail.

This simple sentence tell us who is doing what.

• Who pulled the cat's tail?  _______________________________
• What did the little girl do? _______________________________

Example The bike races down the hill.

This simple sentence tell us what is doing what.

• What races down the hill? _______________________________
• What does the bike do?  ________________________________

Example The ball is on the table.

This simple sentence tells us what is where

• What is on the table? __________________________________
• Where is the ball?  ____________________________________

Example The boy is at the movies.

This simple sentence tells us who is where

• Who is the movies? ___________________________________
• Where is the boy? ____________________________________

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The Compound Sentence A compound sentence is made of two simple sentces that are joined by a conjunction such as and, but, or. Each of the compound sentences that follow contains two simple sentences which are underlined. A comma is used before each conjunction.

• The girl pulled the cat's tail, and the cat ran away.
• She tried to pull the cat's tail, but the cat ran away.
• Would she like a cat, or would she rather have a dog?

The next exercises, do the following.

1. Underline each of the two simple sentences.
2. Circle the conjunction that connects these sentences.
3. Place the comma where it belongs.

• I can come to the party and I'll bring a cake. 

_______________________________________________________

• I can help you with your work later but  I want to rest now.

_______________________________________________________

• Do you want to eat at eleven or would you rather eat at twelve? 

_______________________________________________________

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The Complex Sentences  A complex Sentence consists of a subordinate clause (a fragment) and a main clause (which can stand alone as a complete sentence).  In other words, a complex sentence is made up of an incomplete thought and a complete thought joined together.

In each of the complex sentences below, the part that is underlined once is the subordinate clause (the fragment) It cannot stand alone. The part that is underlined twice is the main clause. It can stand alone as a complete sentence.

In these examples, the subordinate clause comes first (blue letters) and the main clause second (purple letters); there is a comma in between.

If I plan ahead, I can achieve all my goals.

When you leave the room, please close the door quietly.

In the next exercises, underline the subordinate clause once and the main clause twice.

• If my little sister stays home, I am going to the beach.

• When I swim, I like to wear goggles.

• While we're on vacation, my brother and I plan to go sailing.

When a complex sentence begins with a subordinate clause, you need to use a comma.

In each of the complex sentences below, the part is highlight with color pink. It can stand alone as a complete sentence. The part that is highlight with color green (the fragment). It cannot stand alone. In these examples, the main clause comes first and the subordinate clause second; no comma is needed.

I can achieve all my goals if I plan ahead.

Please close the door quietly when you leave the room.

In the next exercises, underline the subordinate clause once and the main clause twice.

I am going to the beach if my little sister stays home.

I like to wear goggles when I swim.

My brother and I plan to go sailing while we're on vacations 

You do not need to use a comma when a complex sentence begins with a main clause.