Sentence+Types

I'm basing the definitions listed here from [|OWL] where you can find even more regarding independent and dependent clauses, punctuation, or other aspects of sentence structure that is confusing to you.


 * Please note that writing a variety of sentences is not THE magical formula for fluency, but it can help some writers become more fluent. Also keep in mind that changing sentences can and should happen in the last phases of the writing process--that is, when you've got your ideas, focus, and organization in place.

**Simple sentence: A sentence with one independent clause and no dependent clauses.**

 * The students enjoyed munching on their bananas.
 * New Berlin West marked an official recognition of senioritis with a parade.

**Compound Sentence: A sentence with multiple independent clauses but no dependent clauses.**

 * The innocuous clown frightened the little girl, and she ran off screaming when she saw the seemingly psychotic icon.
 * The seniors departed on June 13, 2009, and they were determined to sleep as many hours as possible.

**Complex Sentence: A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.**

 * After Mary added up all the sales, she discovered that monkeys had infiltrated her cash register.
 * While all of his books are fascinating, Fyodoy Dosteovsky's characters, full of insight and inspection, are the real highlight of his novels.

**Complex-Compound Sentence: A sentence with multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause**.
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 * With his reputation on the line, Mr. Mullen played against a fierce opponent at the Scrabble competition, and overcoming nerve-racking competition, he won the game with one well-placed word--salubrious.
 * //Catch-22// is widely regarded as Joseph Heller's best novel, and because Heller served in World War II, which the novel satirizes, the zany but savage wit of the novel packs an extra punch.