3.8.4

Simple Sentences & Compound Sentences

Test yourself

Simple Sentences

To create exciting writing, we need to use different types of sentences. A simple sentence is a sentence that has only 1 clause. Here are some simple sentences...

Illustrative background for <b>The dog ate the treat.Illustrative background for <b>The dog ate the treat. ?? "content

The dog ate the treat.

  • This is a simple sentence because it only contains a subject ('the dog'), a verb ('ate') and an object ('the treat').
Illustrative background for <b>The boy read the book.Illustrative background for <b>The boy read the book. ?? "content

The boy read the book.

  • This is a simple sentence because it only contains a subject ('the boy'), a verb ('read') and an object ('the book').
Illustrative background for <b>The frog wore a crown.Illustrative background for <b>The frog wore a crown. ?? "content

The frog wore a crown.

  • This is a simple sentence because it only contains a subject ('the frog'), a verb ('wore') and an object ('a crown').
Illustrative background for <b>The horses galloped.Illustrative background for <b>The horses galloped. ?? "content

The horses galloped.

  • This is a simple sentence because it only contains a subject ('the horses') and a verb ('galloped').
  • Sometimes, a simple sentence doesn't even have an object.
Illustrative background for <b>My mother bought an ice cream.Illustrative background for <b>My mother bought an ice cream. ?? "content

My mother bought an ice cream.

  • This is a simple sentence because it only contains a subject ('my mother'), a verb ('bought') and an object ('an ice cream').
Illustrative background for <b>The cake had candles.Illustrative background for <b>The cake had candles. ?? "content

The cake had candles.

  • This is a simple sentence because it only contains a subject ('the cake'), a verb ('had') and an object ('candles').

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence has 2, or sometimes even more than 2 clauses joined together by a joining word. The different clauses in compound sentences always make sense on their own. They are called independent clauses. Let's look at some examples...

Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__but__'Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__but__' ?? "content

Compound sentence using 'but'

  • The dog ate the food but the dog did not like the food.
    • This is a compound sentence because the two clauses either side of the 'but' make sense as sentences by themselves.
Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__and__'Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__and__' ?? "content

Compound sentence using 'and'

  • The boy liked his bike and the boy liked his helmet.
    • This is a compound sentence because the two clauses either side of the 'and' make sense as sentences by themselves.
Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__or__'Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__or__' ?? "content

Compound sentence using 'or'

  • I want to go to the cinema or I want to go home.
    • This is a compound sentence because the two clauses either side of the 'or' make sense as sentences by themselves.
Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__so__'Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__so__' ?? "content

Compound sentence using 'so'

  • I walked my dog so I am tired.
    • This is a compound sentence because the two clauses either side of the 'or' make sense as sentences by themselves.
Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__yet__'Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__yet__' ?? "content

Compound sentence using 'yet'

  • I washed my hair yet my hair still feels greasy!
    • This is a compound sentence because the two clauses either side of the 'yet' make sense as sentences by themselves.
Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__for__'Illustrative background for Compound sentence using '__for__' ?? "content

Compound sentence using 'for'

  • I got into bed, for it was bedtime.
    • This is a compound sentence because the two clauses either side of the 'for' make sense as sentences by themselves.

Jump to other topics

1Spelling

2Punctuation

3Grammar

4Decoding Words

5Reading & Writing

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium