Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences Explained: Clauses Made Clear (Grade 6 to 8 English)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Today we are learning simple, compound and complex sentences. The secret to all three is the clause, so once you can spot clauses, sorting sentences becomes easy.

A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. An independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone. A dependent clause has a subject and verb, but it cannot stand alone.

A simple sentence has just one independent clause. The dog barked. My cousin and I played chess all afternoon. That second one is long, but it still has only one clause, so it is simple.

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses. Use a comma plus a joining word like and, but, or or so. It rained, so we stayed inside. You can also join them with a semicolon instead.

A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The dependent clause often starts with a word like because, when, although, if or since. We stayed inside because it rained.

You can flip a complex sentence around. Because it rained, we stayed inside. When the dependent clause comes first, put a comma after it. Flipping clauses is a great way to add variety to your writing.

Now it's your turn. Name each structure. One: I finished my homework, and then I read. Two: Although it was cold, we swam. Pause and try. The first is compound. The second is complex.

Great job! Remember, a simple sentence has one independent clause, a compound sentence joins two, and a complex sentence adds a dependent clause. Practice sentence structures in the English Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!