Understanding sentence structure is a core skill in English grammar. A well-constructed sentence communicates ideas clearly and effectively.

The Four Sentence Types

• Simple Sentence — contains one independent clause.
  Example: The student studied for the test.
• Compound Sentence — contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
  Example: The student studied hard, and she passed the exam.
• Complex Sentence — contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses joined by a subordinating conjunction (because, although, when, if).
  Example: Although it was raining, the students went outside.
• Compound-Complex Sentence — contains at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause.
  Example: Although she was tired, she finished her essay, and she submitted it on time.

Sentence Parts

• Subject — who or what the sentence is about
• Predicate — what the subject does or is
• Object — the noun that receives the action of the verb
• Clause — a group of words containing a subject and a verb
• Phrase — a group of words without a subject-verb pair

Common Sentence Errors to Avoid

• Run-on sentence — two independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or conjunction
• Sentence fragment — a group of words that does not form a complete thought
• Comma splice — two independent clauses joined only by a comma with no conjunction

Tip: Reading your sentences out loud helps you notice when something sounds incomplete or runs on too long.