An Introduction to Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• Refer to the first example and explain that this sentence is called a Simple sentenceBecause it has one complete thought. Simple sentences have a subject and a predicate (verb phrase) and can contain description words.
• Label the first section on the chart "simple sentence" and provide another example like, "Dogs and cats make great pets."
• Point to the second section on the chart and tell students that this is called a Compound sentenceBecause it has TwoComplete thoughts that are combined by a conjunction. Remind students that conjunctions are joining words like "and," "but," or "so" (circle the conjunction in the sentence). Compound sentences have two verbs (underline the two verbs in the sentence).
• Label the second section on the chart "compound sentence" and provide another example like, "I love elephants, but I don't like the zoo."
• Refer to the third section on the chart and explain that this is called a Complex sentenceBecause it has one complete thought and a Dependent clause, which is a descriptive phrase that cannot stand alone. A complex sentence always has a Subordinate conjunctionLike "although," "before," "because," or "if" (circle the subordinate conjunction). Sometimes the independent clause and dependent clause are separated by a comma.
• Label the third section on the chart "complex sentence" and provide another example like, "After dinner, we can watch a movie."

Guided practise

• Write a sentence on the board that reads, "I am allergic to milk, so I can't have ice cream."
• Instruct students to turn to an elbow partner to determine what type of sentence it is (answer: compound).
• Call on a student to tell what type of sentence it is and how they know (answer: it contains a conjunction and two complete thoughts)
• Repeat with several sentences:
  • "I always ride the roller coaster at the amusement park." (simple)
  • "We ran downstairs and went outside." (compound)
  • "If she's done with her homework, she can play." (complex)
  • "They went swimming yesterday." (simple)
  • "He's bringing chips even though the party is over." (complex)

Independent working time

• Hand out the short story "Jason and the Gameshow" on the Main Character worksheet. (Note: students will only need the text for this exercise. You may choose to cut off the questions and title before making copies.)
• Instruct students to read the text and find at least one example of each type of sentence.
• Tell students that they should underline a simple sentence in red, a compound sentence in yellow, and a complex sentence in blue. Write these instructions on the board for student reference.
• Circulate and offer support as needed.