In english language, on the basis of structure of sentence or clause combinations, sentences are categorised as simple, complex, compound and mixed with.
Simple sentence is formed by subject and predicate. It includes only main clause. In case of compound sentence, they are formed by coordinating or independent clauses with main clause.
Whereas, complex sentence is formed by connecting depending clause with main clause. Both compound and complex sentences are connected by coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
Classification of Four types of sentence structures — Simple, complex, compound and mixed sentences
Take a look at the following structure complex compound and mixed sentences by combining different clauses like main clause, depending clause and independent clause.
- Simple sentence — subject + predicate
- Complex sentence — main clause + subordinating clause.
- Compound sentence — two independent clauses + main clause
- Mixed sentence — it includes two or more than two independent and dependent clauses.
Formation of compound sentences
Main clause + one or more Independent clauses
Rules of formation of compound sentences.
1.There should be separate subject and verb for each clause.The two clauses shouldn’t depend on each other.
2.Both clauses should be equal importance and closely related to each other.
3.Coordinating conjunctions are used to form compound sentence. Commas or semicolon is placed before joining coordinating conjunction.
Examples of compound sentences
1. The winning team invited at the stage. Spectators welcomed them cheerfully.
- The winning team invited at the stage; and, spectators welcomed them cheerfully.
2. I like to eat simple veg. My brother is fond of spicy chicken.
- I like to eat simple veg; whereas, my brother is fond of spicy chicken.
3. He is religious. He is emotional.
- He is both religious and emotional.
4. India is culturally diverse country. India is a secular nation.
- Not only is India culturally diverse country, but it also a secular nation.
5. He is a talented student. He is a gifted student.
- He is either a talented or gifted student.
- He is neither a talented nor gifted student.
These are some important examples of compound and complex sentences formed with coordinating and subordinating clauses with main clause.
Formation of complex sentence
In the process of explaining complex compound and mixed sentences, now, I’m going to explain the rules of formation of complex sentence.
Rules of formation of complex sentence.
Main clause + One or more subordinating or depending clauses
There should be separate subject and predicate for each clause.The subordinate clause should depend on the main clause. Both main and subordinate clauses shouldn’t be equal Subordinating conjunctions should be used to form complex sentences. Punctuation marks are applicable when the dependent clause is used to begin the sentence.
How to form complex sentences?
Complex sentences are formed with–Noun clause + main clause Adjective clause + main clause Adverb clause + main clause
1. Complex sentence with noun clause
Noun clause is also known as sub-ordinating clause, and used to form complex sentences.
Examples of complex sentences
- I do not know how he solved the problem. (main clause +noun clause)
- She announces that she is not going to support our proposal.
- I thought that he might help us.
- Can you tell me when the delayed train will arrive?
2. Complex sentence with adjective clause
1.This is the place where I learnt to drive. (main clause + adjective clause)
2.I think it was Sunday, when we went for picnic.
3.August 15th is the day when India got freedom.
4.June, when monsoon arrives, is the best month to swim.
5.Antarctica where temperature is too low is the best place for polar bear.
3. Complex sentences with adverb clause
There are various types of adverb clauses, such as, adverb clause of time, reason, cause, etc. Here, I’m going to use adverb clause of time.
Examples of complex sentences using adverb clause
- As soon as we reach at the reservation centre, we will let you know about status. (Adverb clause of time + main clause)
- We will let you know the status as soon as we reach at the reservation centre.
- As soon as it rains, children start enjoying. (for present sense)
- As soon as they win a game, they start dancing.
Understanding Compound And Mixed Sentences
Conjunctive adverbs are used to connect or link two independent clauses to form compound and mixed sentences. They are like conjunctions; but, conjunctions are used to join two words, phrases, and clauses. The selection of conjunctive adverbs depends on the relationship between two independent clauses.
Coordinating conjunctions such as cumulative, alternative, adversative, and illative conjunctions are also used to form compound and mixed sentences by joining coordinating clauses to the main clause.
About coordinating conjunctions and clauses, I have already written in the earlier blogs. So, here, I have decided to focus on conjunctive adverbs and their role in the formation of compound and mixed sentences.
Conjunctive adverbs looks similar like conjunctions but they play different roles than conjunctions.
Let’s see the role of conjunctive adverbs to form compound and mixed sentences.
Examples of conjunctive adverbs to connect compound and mixed sentences
Here are some important examples of conjunctive adverbs widely used as connectors.
Consequently, As a result, Equally, Likewise, Conversely, However, In addition, besides, Furthermore, Moreover, Hence, Therefore, Similarly, Nevertheless, Nonetheless, Rather, On the other hand, Further.
Let’s see the use of conjunctive adverbs. As I stated earlier that conjunctive adverbs are used to connect compound and mixed sentences.
Structure of compound sentence with conjunctive adverbs
In the process of explaining complex compound and mixed sentences, finally, I’m going to explain mixed sentence.
Main clause + independent as well as depending clauses
Compound sentence can be made by connecting two or more independent clauses with coordinating connectors like conjunctive adverbs. Let’s take a look at the following structure.
Independent clause + semicolon + conjunctive adverb + independent clause.
Here are some useful examples of conjunctive adverbs in forming the compound sentences and mixed sentences.
It was raining heavily, therefore, umpires called off the game.
They were not ready to compromise anymore; as a result, the deal was cancelled.
The intensity of natural disasters has been increasing continuously. Hence, G-8 members have decided to focus on green technology.
In India, cotton is widely known as white gold; likewise, in Bangladesh, jute cultivation is a popular ooccupation.
Nowadays, the living cost in the urban areas are growing continuously; similarly, in rural areas people are facing difficulty to get employed.
He earns his bread and butter by selling newspapers; likewise, his sister works as a waitress.
Bob wants to be a cricket player; comparatively, his brother, Tom aspires to be a football player.
Smith scored a hundred in first inning; equally, Warner played a match winning knock.
If go to visit to the Red Fort, there you must not forget to visit India Gate; in addition, you can visit Lotus temple in Delhi.
I would like to swim in the river; besides, I swim in the tanks.
This is all about the explanation of formation and structure of simple, complex, compound and mixed sentences.
Understanding conjunctive adverbs
Adverb Clause Of Cause And Reason
However and nevertheless conjunctions
Noun Clause And Adjective Clause
Subordinating conjunctions of time