The term sentence can be defined as the chain of words that together make a complete thought. In other words, sentences are a combination of words that provide complete thought and possess grammatical rules. Based on function, sentences can be divided into four categories.

Features of sentence

A sentence must possess two essential features in order to make sense: 

  1. The sentence should have a subject. The subject of a sentence can be defined as the object of interest of the sentence. For example – Manya is rich; here, Manya is subject
  2. Sentences must have predicates. The predicate of a sentence can be defined as the part of the sentence that is left after excluding the subject. For example – Manya is rich, here is rich is the predicate.

Classification of sentences: 

On the basis of structure, a sentence can be classified into four categories: 

  1. Simple sentences
  2. Compound sentences
  3. Complex sentences
  4. Compound complex sentences

Simple sentences

Simple sentences can be defined as a sentence that contains only one clause, usually an independent clause—carrying only Subject and predicate.

A simple sentence is generally made up of a subject, verb, and object. However, the predicate is sometimes a verb; therefore, a simple sentence can be made up of subject and verb.

Example: Ana ate food (Subject+ Verb + object)

  • Ana ate (subject+verb)

Both of the given examples are correct; however, the inclusion of objects helps the reader have a complete idea of the sentence.

Examples of simple sentences: 

  1. Does she drink champagne?
  2. Mumbai is in India
  3. I love my pet dog
  4. She loves mangoes
  5. Marry likes to bake

Compound sentences: 

Meaning of compound sentences

  • The combination of two or more independent clauses is known as compound sentences. The independent clauses are the clauses that are complete sentences in themselves. These types of sentences are not dependent upon one another in order to provide complete thought. But when they combine, they provide better clarity of ideas.

For example: 

Two independent clauses: Malik is late for work. Sir wants to talk to him.

Compound sentence: Malik is late for work, so Sir wants to talk to him.

Coordinating conjunctions

To combine two independent clauses or make compound sentences coordinating conjunctions are used. Seven coordinating conjunctions in English are: 

  • For
  • And
  • Nor
  • But
  • Or
  • Yet
  • So

One can use the acronym FANBOYS in order to remember these coordinating conjunctions. 

Uses of Semicolon

The semicolon can also be used while combining the independent clauses as they act as coordinating conjunctions, especially on the place of: and, for, yet and so.

Example: 

Malik is late for work; the sir wants to talk to him.

Basic rules of compound sentences

  1. Put a comma before coordinating conjunction
  2. If coordinator conjunction is not being used, place a; between two clauses.

Examples of Compound sentences: 

  1. Our bike broke down, and we got late
  2. We talked to her in English, but she responded in Hindi
  3. I need to go to the store. I am not feeling well to drive
  4. She did not like to read she was not very good at it
  5. When Shreya was driving to work, she realized she forgot her lunch

Complex sentences

Meaning of complex sentences: 

A complex sentence is a type of sentence that carries independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Independent clauses are the sentence in itself. Dependent clauses are those that do not make complete sense in themselves. 

Example: 

Dependent: When I will meet you

Independent: When I will meet you I’ll return your book

Subordinate conjunctions

Subordinate conjunctions are used in order to make complex sentences. Subordinate conjunctions are: 

  • Although
  • After
  • Before
  • Because
  • How
  • If
  • Once
  • Since
  • So that
  • Until
  • Unless
  • When

Way to make complex sentences

The conditional sentences may get complicated, but complex sentences carry easy grammatical rules. If you are using correct subordinate conjunctions, you should not worry about commas in complex sentences.

When to use a comma: 

  • If the dependent clause comes first, it should be placed before the independent clause.
  • If an independent clause comes first, then a comma is not needed at all.

Tips for writing complex sentences

  • Learn subordinate conjunctions
  • Study about dependent clauses
  • After attaining grip on subordinate conjunctions and dependent clauses, writing complex sentences will not be difficult.

Examples of complex sentences: 

  1. Although my friends requested me, I chose not to go to the party.
  2. Many people enjoyed the series, however, Samuel did not.

Compound complex sentences

The compound-complex sentences are composed of two independent clauses and have one or more dependent clauses.

The compound-complex sentence is longer than the sentence, so it is necessary to punctuate them correctly.

Difference between complex and compound-complex sentences

The main difference between complex and compound-complex sentences is that: 

A compound sentence is a type of sentence that has multiple independent clauses but lacks dependent clauses. Complex compound sentences are those that have one or more independent clauses but possess at least one dependent clause.

Examples of compound-complex sentences

  1. When the father came, the baby slept and dreamed, and the mother watched.
  2. India won the game, but the players ‘ uniform was muddy as it rained the entire time.

Conclusion

The term sentences can be defined as a chain of words that make complete sense. On the basis of structure, sentences can be divided into four categories. The four categories of sentences are simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences. One should know about the differences in their structures and use of verbs in order to differentiate between these sentences.