Simple Sentences & Compound Sentences
English Language: KS3, topic 3.8.4
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...
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').
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').
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').
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.
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').
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...
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.
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.
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.
Compound sentence using 'so'
- I walked my dog so I am tired.
- This is a compound sentence because the two clauses on either side of the 'so' make sense as sentences by themselves.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Simple Sentences & Compound Sentences
Which sentence is a simple sentence?
How many clauses does a simple sentence have?
Which of these are simple sentences?
Which of these is a simple sentence?
What does a compound sentence have at least 2 of?