Learn on PengiElements of Language, 3rd CourseChapter 4: The Clause: Independent and Subordinate Clauses

Lesson 2: Sentence Structure

In this Grade 6 grammar lesson from Elements of Language, 3rd Course, students learn how to classify sentences by structure as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex based on the number and types of clauses they contain. The lesson covers how simple sentences have one independent clause with no subordinate clauses, compound sentences join two or more independent clauses using coordinating conjunctions or semicolons, and complex sentences combine one independent clause with at least one subordinate clause. Students practice identifying and labeling independent and subordinate clauses within sentences from written exercises.

Section 1

Simple Sentences

Definition

Simple sentences contain one independent clause and no subordinate clauses.

Explanation

A simple sentence is the most basic sentence structure, forming a single complete thought. It needs just one subject and one verb to be complete. Don't be fooled by length! A simple sentence can have compound parts, like a compound subject or a compound verb, and still count as simple as long as it remains just one independent clause.

Examples

  • A chef prepared soup for the guests.
  • The host and hostess greeted guests and took their coats.
  • In the park, a dog and its owner played fetch and rested on the grass.

Section 2

Compound Sentences

Definition

Compound sentences contain two or more independent clauses and no subordinate clauses.

Explanation

Think of a compound sentence as two or more complete thoughts joined together. Each of these independent clauses could be its own sentence. You can connect them in a few key ways: with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (like for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), with just a semicolon, or with a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb (like however or therefore).

Examples

  • Maria visited Paris, and she toured the Eiffel Tower.
  • She did not visit the Louvre; however, she plans to go on her next trip.

Section 3

Complex Sentences

Definition

Complex sentences contain one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.

Explanation

A complex sentence has one main, independent clause (a complete thought) and at least one subordinate clause (an incomplete thought). The subordinate part depends on the main clause to make sense. A handy tip is to look for words that often begin a subordinate clause, such as because, since, when, which, or who. These clauses add extra information but can't stand alone.

Examples

  • Although Sarah wanted the new video game, she bought a used one that was in great condition.
  • Since she can’t solve the puzzle, Maya will ask for a hint.
  • She will leave school early so that she can attend the appointment.

Section 4

Compound-Complex Sentences

Definition

Compound-complex sentences contain two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

Explanation

This structure is a hybrid, blending features from both compound and complex sentences. To qualify, a sentence must have at least two independent clauses (like a compound sentence) and at least one subordinate clause (like a complex sentence). This allows you to express multiple, layered ideas within a single, sophisticated sentence.

Examples

  • When the movie ended, my friend ordered a pizza, and I made some popcorn.
  • Because the old software was slow, the team faced delays; consequently, the manager requested an upgrade.
  • A new company launched a website, which offered products directly to consumers, and this business model quickly succeeded.

Book overview

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Chapter 4: The Clause: Independent and Subordinate Clauses

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Types of Clauses

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  2. Lesson 2Current

    Lesson 2: Sentence Structure

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Lesson overview

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Section 1

Simple Sentences

Definition

Simple sentences contain one independent clause and no subordinate clauses.

Explanation

A simple sentence is the most basic sentence structure, forming a single complete thought. It needs just one subject and one verb to be complete. Don't be fooled by length! A simple sentence can have compound parts, like a compound subject or a compound verb, and still count as simple as long as it remains just one independent clause.

Examples

  • A chef prepared soup for the guests.
  • The host and hostess greeted guests and took their coats.
  • In the park, a dog and its owner played fetch and rested on the grass.

Section 2

Compound Sentences

Definition

Compound sentences contain two or more independent clauses and no subordinate clauses.

Explanation

Think of a compound sentence as two or more complete thoughts joined together. Each of these independent clauses could be its own sentence. You can connect them in a few key ways: with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (like for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), with just a semicolon, or with a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb (like however or therefore).

Examples

  • Maria visited Paris, and she toured the Eiffel Tower.
  • She did not visit the Louvre; however, she plans to go on her next trip.

Section 3

Complex Sentences

Definition

Complex sentences contain one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.

Explanation

A complex sentence has one main, independent clause (a complete thought) and at least one subordinate clause (an incomplete thought). The subordinate part depends on the main clause to make sense. A handy tip is to look for words that often begin a subordinate clause, such as because, since, when, which, or who. These clauses add extra information but can't stand alone.

Examples

  • Although Sarah wanted the new video game, she bought a used one that was in great condition.
  • Since she can’t solve the puzzle, Maya will ask for a hint.
  • She will leave school early so that she can attend the appointment.

Section 4

Compound-Complex Sentences

Definition

Compound-complex sentences contain two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

Explanation

This structure is a hybrid, blending features from both compound and complex sentences. To qualify, a sentence must have at least two independent clauses (like a compound sentence) and at least one subordinate clause (like a complex sentence). This allows you to express multiple, layered ideas within a single, sophisticated sentence.

Examples

  • When the movie ended, my friend ordered a pizza, and I made some popcorn.
  • Because the old software was slow, the team faced delays; consequently, the manager requested an upgrade.
  • A new company launched a website, which offered products directly to consumers, and this business model quickly succeeded.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 4: The Clause: Independent and Subordinate Clauses

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Types of Clauses

    LearnPractice
  2. Lesson 2Current

    Lesson 2: Sentence Structure

    LearnPractice