Simple, compound and complex sentences · Year 9
Sentences can be simple, compound or complex. A simple sentence has one clause: The cat slept. A compound sentence joins two main clauses with and, but, or or so: It was late, so we went home. A complex sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause: We stayed inside because it was raining. Mixing all three makes writing interesting to read.
Key facts
- Simple: one subject and one main verb: My sister plays the piano. It can still be long: Every morning, Grandad reads the newspaper.
- Compound: two clauses that could each be a sentence, joined by and, but, or, so: I like tea, but my brother likes coffee.
- Complex: a main clause + a subordinate clause starting with because, when, if, although, until, unless…: Kai smiled when he saw the cake.
- A subordinate clause first needs a comma: Because the road was icy, the bus was late.
- Don't join two sentences with only a comma: It was cold, I put on my coat. is wrong. Use a full stop, a joining word or a complex sentence.