Sentence Structures:

Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences

1. Simple Sentence = one independent idea = Subject + Verb + Object

A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause and expresses a complete

thought.

We are allowed to add prepositions, adjectives, adverbs, articles, modal verbs BUT not

conjunctions in a simple sentence.

I (S) am working (V) right now on a project (O).

My name is Anmol.

We (S) are carefully playing (V) in a beautiful/huge park (O).

2. Compound Sentence = when we join two independent ideas using a coordinating

conjunction, we make a compound sentence. A compound sentence is made up of two or

more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet,

so)

Coordinating Conjunctions = FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet & so. (7)

Formula: Independent Clause + A comma + FANBOYS (CC) + Independent Clause

I am working right now, and my mother is cooking food. = compound sentence

I love chocolates and apples. (do not add a comma here)

For = because (literal/formal) – xx – I am working right now, for I have a project deadline

tomorrow.

But = contrast = I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

Yet = and yet = nevertheless or but: You have so many question and yet so few answers.

So = cause/reason/to conclude = The students finished their homework, so they went

outside to play.

3. Complex Sentences: A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at

least one dependent (or subordinate) clause.. A dependent clause cannot stand
alone as a complete thought and is introduced by a subordinating conjunction

(because, since, after, although, when, etc.) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that).

independent clause: a single idea = S + V + O

dependent clause: where we add a subordinating conjunction

Subordinating conjunction: although, even though, though, if, unless, provided that,

because, as well as, as soon as, so that, as , since, unless, until, before, after, once, in

order to, instead of, wherever, whenever, which, where, when, why, who etc.

Although I am working on the project right now, I’ll join you for the party tonight.

Formula No. 1:

Subordinating conjunction + Dependent Clause + A comma + Independent Clause

Although I am working on the project right now, I’ll join you for the party tonight.

While (SC) this proposal has some disadvantages (DC), (A comma) its advantages

far outweigh the disadvantages. (IC)

Despite (SC) the new regulations (DC), many people still do not disclose their

income to the government. (IC)

When the bell rang, the students left the classroom

Formula No. 2:

Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause (NO

COMMA RULE)

Walking is better than driving unless one is in a hurry.

It’s important to consider one’s financial situation before traveling to another

country.

When we talk about our noun in general = no article

While = by the time, during the time, at the same time

I’ll read this document for you while (=by the time) you are drying your hair.

I will call you if I finish my work early.

 Formula No. 3:

Independent Clause + A comma + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause

(some exceptional conjunctions: despite, although, even though, though, whereas,

while = contrasting conjunctions)

Many people still do not disclose their income to the government, despite the new

regulations.

While = contrast/although/but

I actually like my manager, while I accept he’s not perfect in many respects.

Classroom Discussion Notes:

I am woking hard beause I want to ace in Celpip.

He is playing games, even though he has an exam tom.

Unless you go to work, you won’t get paid/the project won’t be finished.

Unless = conjunction = conditional (if…….not) = what will it lead to?

If I do not go to the park,

Unless I go to the park,

If I will work out, I will be more proactive.

If I will work hard, I will have success in life.

As my father is travelling tomorrow, I might join you early at work.

Since (conjunction) you’ve been my best friend, you should know my choices.

Prepositions

Since = specific point in time

For = duration of time

I have been writing this book since 9 AM.

She’s been a teacher since 2020.
I have bee studying for four hours.
He has lived in the US for 6 months.