The 4 English Sentence Types - simple, compound, complex, compound-complex

Did you know there are only four sentence types in English? To improve your writing and reading skills in English, I'll teach you all about simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences in this grammar video. You'll learn how to identify the independent and dependent clauses. Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds! By learning to identify and use these sentence structures, you'll make your writing more interesting and dynamic. I'll also share many example sentences in the lesson, so you can practice with my help. www.engvid.com/the-4-english-s...
TRANSCRIPT
Hi. Welcome back to www.engvid.com. I'm Adam. Today's lesson is a writing lesson, but it's also a spoken English lesson. It's about anything to do with English, because we're going to be looking at sentence types. Now, of course, when you speak, you're using all kinds of sentence types. But, especially in writing, it's important to know the different types of sentences, because, especially if you're going to be writing tests, they want to see sentence variety. And even if you're not writing tests, anything you write, if you're using only one type of sentence, your writing becomes very bland, very boring, very hard to follow, because it's a little bit monotone. So what you need to do is you need to vary... You need a variety of sentence structures in your writing to give it a little bit more life. Okay?
Luckily, you only need to know four sentence types. We have simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex. Now, this is not exactly easy, but it's not exactly hard, either. If you figure out what you need to have in each one, in each sentence type, just make sure it's there. Okay? Let's start.
A simple sentence has one independent clause. A little bit of review: What is an independent clause? An independent clause has a subject and a verb, and can complete an idea. It can stand by itself, because the idea in that clause is complete. I don't need to add anything else to it. Okay.
A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses, joined by a conjunction. A compound conjunction: "and", "but", "or", "so", "for" (not very common), etc. So, we join two independent clauses with a compound conjunction. You can have more, but again, you have to be a little bit careful. Once you get to three, start to look for a way to finish your sentence, because if you get to the fourth, you already have a crazy sentence that has the... Runs the risk of being a run-on sentence. Eventually, you're going to make a mistake, you're going to miss something, and the whole sentence falls apart. I don't recommend three, but you can put three.
Then we have a complex sentence. A complex sentence has one independent clause, plus one or more dependent clause. A dependent clause is a clause that has a subject and a verb, but cannot stand by itself. It is not a complete idea. It has some sort of relationship to the independent clause. We have three types of dependent clauses. We have noun clauses, we have adjective clauses, and we have adverb clauses. Okay? That's a whole separate lesson. You can look at that later. But you have to have one of these, plus one of these, and you have a complex sentence.
Next we have a compound-complex sentence. Here you have two or more independent clauses, again, joined by a conjunction, and one or more dependent clause. Okay? So you have basically all the elements in this sentence.
Then, once you have all this stuff, you can add as many complements, or basically extras, as you want. So, let's look at an example. We're going to start with the simple sentence: "Layla studied biology." Very simple. I have a subject, I have a verb, I have an object. Okay? This is a simple sentence. It's an independent clause; it can stand by itself as a complete idea. Now, I can add anything I want to this that is not another clause of any type, and it'll still be a simple sentence. So I can say: "My friend Layla studied biology in university." I'll just say "uni" for short. I have more information, but do I have a different type of sentence? No. It's still a simple sentence.
Now, let's look at this sentence. First, let me read it to you: "Even with the weather being that nasty, the couple and their families decided to go ahead with the wedding as planned." Now you're thinking: "Wow, that's got to be a complex sentence", right? "It's so long. There's so much information in it." But, if we look at it carefully, it is still a simple sentence. Why? Because we only have one independent clause. Where is it? Well, find the subject and verb combination first. So, what is the subject in this sentence? I'll give you a few seconds, figure it out. Hit the pause key, look at it.
Okay, we're back. Here is the subject: "the couple and their families". Now, don't get confused with this "and".

[@AnimeFanatic95]

As a college student studying under the English major, I can't thank you enough for this video. You break down the English language in a way that is concise and easy to pick up on. I just wish most professors teach grammar the way you do.

[@desahussen]

❤❤❤

[@elizabethulfxklptt044amush7]

No way dude you're watching this video while in college I'm studying for my test that is out of 150 marks and I'm 12, probably because I'm at the best Cambridge level private school😢😢😮

[@paoloel2770]

Adam, I love how precise you are while explaining grammar, especially things that are not taught at schools. Thank you for this lesson and keep up your good work!

[@MuhammadRizwan-bn9db]

It's five years old comment .Are you still here .

[@kimdega1416]

This is really an old comment.

[@Omar-yj3bb]

Well Im here from December 2023 you guys are too old@@kimdega1416

[@hangsmotionless5935]

Adam, you're really gifted at what you do: putting these concepts and examples in a simple way for all of us to understand and apply. You're a gift for us. Thank you with all my heart.

[@debbie8783]

He really knows his stuff. I like the occasions of incidental learning as well as the background info that he casually fills in while moving along with his lesson. He just crammed a 55 minute class in 15 minutes including reassurances for students doing the exam.

[@AbbySantana]

I've been teaching English as a second language for about 7 months now in a locally recognized school of my town. I've recently subscribed to this channel and I find it so helpful. He gives clear and understandable explanations I think the students will capture in a better way. Thanks a lot!

[@rohollahmoradi1668]

Abby Santana Hi Abby . I need to know independent clause before this?

[@abdulmaah8725]

and I am replying your comment after 4 years now.

[@salimunoordin7927]

Hey

[@roseyyxriiq4360]

@@rohollahmoradi1668 lol

[@zainlegeriesshop9532]

They told us that independent clause has subject , verb and object E.g Abby Santana have been teaching english.

[@GIobeCentral]

I take my addiction seriously: iv'e sensed most of my adult life that I am slow at learning, but the addiction keeps me attracted, so I keep coming back for more. I'm 74 this year and am confident that I will shortly (5 to 10 years) be able to conceptualize what I read automatically (without thinking about it), but more importantly i hope I will be able to conceptualise grammatically--that is my goal! I find the Adam Grammar series the easiest to digest--- so if , like me, you are hard of learning, stick with these videos. And if you'r young consider grammar as an exponential for learning that which you read. Thanks Adam.

[@bruno892]

Adam, I appreciate very much all of your classes. You always explain so well. Thank you!

[@ibrahamlinclon4446]

Adam, you are a wonderful person as well as a teacher who deserves thanks and appreciation for your manners and the way you perform.

[@khadi_1455]

I've always had problem learning the sentence types. however, this is the first video that has helped me understand the whole concept. and surprisingly, it's easier than i thought!

[@learnonthego4]

The explanation is so precise. You not only explain what they are but teach how to create variety in sentences.

[@julialyutenko3480]

Thank you for your video, Adam! Your lessons are always very helpful and to the point. Looking forward to watching your next video.

[@billysansan5990]

Adam,you really know your stuff. I am an ESL teacher from Costa Rica and I find this explanation so helpful.

[@nuranismohdnor2638]

out of all the youtube tutors I've watched, you are by far my fav! very natural and I feel like im learning in a class :D

[@stellatt]

This was a fantastic explanation! Easy to follow and crystal clear. Thank you very much!

[@paulhanrahan6728]

This is a great lecture. I've never heard of "compound conjunctions" before, only coordinating conjunctions when forming compound sentences

[@Laura-dn2bj]

trick to remember the conjunctions: FANBOYS F- for A - and N - nor B - but O - or Y - yet S - so

[@Laura-dn2bj]

مها هدى I did say that part

[@memesforlaugh1199]

yes

[@hajarpeaace948]

+Laura Fernandez thank you so much

[@maaouiabadra9969]

Laura Fernandez

[@ninjaplays1087]

Laura Fernandez sorry you didn't finish

[@learnerlearner2189]

Great lesson. Many Thanks. You are such great help to us.Distinguishing verbs in recognizing complex sentences was great trick.

[@abebawzeleke8882]

Thank you for your wonderful notes on clauses. I easily understood them seeing your presentations.

[@pro369]

Great, by serendipity, today I taught the conditional sentences to my pupils. Honestly this really reinforces my knowledge incredibly well. Thanks. New perspective, new learning

[@paulanadal7214]

This is amazingly well-explained! Thanks a lot

[@tonyathas1]

Adam is a phenomenal instructor. I'm 51, english is my only language and i write all the time and i have watched almost all of his videos.

[@khongkhamuanrachawong3897]

Anthony Athanasakis that is quite awesome to hear that!

[@oscarjoaquin152]

On some gorilla shit I laughed at this... oi must be stoned none of his shit made any sense good Cush.

[@raymondkaudy5170]

Adam, this is an awesome video! Currently, I am in a TEFL course and wanted to brush up on some English language concepts. You did an excellent job explaining things and even taught me some things I didn't learn early on in my education. Way to go and thank you so much!

[@ydaddy6672]

One more thing do not repeat the same words in one sentence.

[@ydaddy6672]

On in no bueno too wordy

[@soothirak]

This is the lesson that I am looking to improve my writing!! Thank you!

[@endalukalbesa]

I really appreciate your teaching. I would like to say thank you for your profound role you are playing to shape us

[@englishwithliam9911]

When I watch this video, I reckon I am not in it that I supposed to be out of class but after finding out a two examples what you wrote ,I am keen on knowing what will it be like for complex sentences which are Useful for IELTS writing mock test and also others. I owe you teacher Adam.Until then😍😍

[@mariamkinen8036]

We were told to write shorter sentences, but in order to become a better writer, all of this is what I need to know..💜🙏

[@Manolete919]

A very interesting class, I took the test for the first time and I failed, it was a little tricky, then I came back here and watched this video again, now I have a full understanding on how to recognize a sentence when I see one, thanks Adam.

[@baguiobase4713]

This is a brilliant explanation. Perfect way to understand kind of sentences according to its use.

[@jorgerobertogarciapastrana6989]

"I learned a lot from this video because the instructor is very good explaining the type of sentences"

[@tserenrendoo8304]

Thank you! :) You are the best English teacher ever

[@poncowibowo9319]

Hi i am ponco from Indonesia. May i have your whatsupp number, so that we can learn english together🙏

[@PrincessHarmonyMoonlight]

@@poncowibowo9319 dont be perv!

[@milagrosrodas1942]

You are the best English teacher ever. Thank you!!!

[@chhoengpov159]

You’re a great teacher who is using verity of technique in your explanation . Thank you very much for sharing this with learners around the globe.

[@BrandNewApproach]

Awesome job. You make it look simple. Best regards.

[@zsbmardan2346]

+Alex S you made

[@shahdashraf7157]

+Alex S y told it

[@unknownbeast9468]

shahd alshafiy eden hazard

[@cheesywiz9443]

@@zsbmardan2346 make it is also correct He is trying to say that he makes these kinds of topic look simple

[@alvaroakatico9188]

Cheesy wiz Yes, but I think the word made makes it past tense 😬 that’s what he was trying to convey. Both are correct, of course. One is the present, and the other one is past tense. I believe I have it right. Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@milagrosperez7858]

Thanks for sharing this video, Adam! It helps me a lot (:

[@amirhoseinm8784]

as always brilliant and to the point. i very much appreciate your clarity Adam! ♥

[@mikemarca1192]

I couldn't say how enlighting your video was for me, I need to dive deep into the concepts of grammar to develop a more complex writing skill, thanks a lot¡

[@sandrasousa7616]

From Brazil in 2018. Saved my day. Thanks!

[@RaijinThunder15]

A simple sentence has one independent clause. A little bit of review: What is an independent clause? An independent clause has a subject and a verb, and can complete an idea. It can stand by itself, because the idea in that clause is complete. I don't need to add anything else to it. Okay.

[@chepuha2828]

you're teaching better than school teachers, thank you!

[@ucheuwah5729]

I'm yet to completely watch the entire video at the time of writing this but had to pause it to state that your explanation of a simple sentence was an eye opener. All this while I thought have a break in the sentence with a comma "," made the sentence a compound one, now I know it doesn't. Thanks for that!

[@ronaki26]

Thank you! This was especially helpful here for us at 6am as my daughter tries to cram for her English quiz! Thank you for your clear explanations!

[@innazhurav9622]

Adam, I think you will have a brilliant career in teaching in the future. Your explanations are easy to understand. Thank you!

[@fazimasain7785]

Hi Adam thanks for the lesons

[@mohamedal246]

I love your photo

[@mohamedal246]

Inna Zhurav I like you

[@mkrajsocialist7549]

Your teaching style is unique because you taught me sentences only in 15 min , which is very great things

[@TheJeyPi]

Great explanation about the four types of sentence! Thanks.

[@zainpeerally1582]

Hi Adam, The lesson is very insightful and lively. Undoubtedly, you are an excellent English teacher. Hats off to you. Would you oblige me a lesson about Reducing Adverb Clauses of time, causality and opposition. Anticipated thanks. With warmest regards, Fazil ( Pupil )

[@christiantbfh]

Best English teacher ever.

[@pranjalboruah7300]

Please discuss about posters writing with example.

[@roycrxtw]

Thanks for the transcript in the description box. You are awesome.

[@muhasdazukhri6063]

thank you very much adam, you make me easier understanding the whole sentece types lesson.

[@pattamassb]

Thanks for this great lesson !!!

[@motionxd5984]

When a random guy on KZbin is better than your teacher you've known for 3 years

[@losers192]

not enough memes in this chat disappointed don't tell me I forgot the command I know.

[@justynag5025]

Yees , you are so right!!! I am so grateful to the internet that I have found him here. I have an upcoming exam in two days, and propably you have saved my student's life Adam. Thank you so much for those videos!

[@Mr1ssalinas]

"Random guy"?... That gives zero credit to this teacher. If this were a lesson given by your mechanic in his shop, or by a pizza delivery guy on your doorstep, then you could say "random guy" I'm a teacher of English myself, good teaching is mostly underappreciated. Giving a lesson that won't have students all confused at the end of it, or worse off than what they were before the lesson started requires thoughtful planning and flawless execution. Proper credit must be given, be fair, this is a good teacher, not a "random guy".

[@mukheliphathutshedzodapsey9300]

@@Mr1ssalinas oh OK you have time hey that long comment 👍😘😹

[@abrartasin731]

really 👍

[@elenabalogova4592]

You are a great teacher. Thank you so much !

[@ellatramp1570]

I like so much, your lessons!! Because, you trying to get a student easier way to understand a lesson....Thank you!!!!

[@naryonsierra6929]

I love your videos... they are very helpful !! I would like to know when do i have to use "that" or not ... PLEASEE thank you

[@priyankahemakanthi5615]

Wow I got clear understanding

[@user-el1xv2qy1k]

Thank you! This helped a lot!

[@user-ir7ih6lk1w]

Mr Adam, you are so a great tutor that i have had learn much more knowledge after saw most of your english lesson video. anyway, thank you very much

[@mokhikhan5494]

Thanks a lot for your lessons. I enjoy watching your videos and i learn a lot from them because they are so useful and practical which help me increase my knowledge. You are the best )))

[@easyjasm9167]

The best teacher ever may God protect you

[@shivankmotiwal7136]

lol

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you're the best

[@ShahinMahmudhtw]

Excellent teacher, thank you very much for your effort that you put for us.

[@zehratorun807]

I have felt confident myself I can read Jane Austen's novels after this video. Thank you, Adam.

[@bboymansour]

could you make some lessens about tenses and how we use them :)

[@karinaaguayo6560]

good teacher!!

[@slippy6961]

You're the best grammar English teacher!

[@japarsidiq1627]

Thanks for the lesson, I'll make to keep this lesson in my mind

[@hidupsantai4186]

So glad that his channel has 1.4 millions sibscribers..he is a good teacher.

[@AM-gq4zi]

I wish you were my teacher 😭 kudos from the pearl of the orient, Philippines 🇵🇭 💜

[@hans5641]

Anj M. Im am a filipino but im good at English

[@semsemsoso5281]

Hi Adam, firstly , I'm really thankful for all your lessons and i wish you make lesson about progressives tenses

[@KK-xj6gl]

You are an amazing teacher! 👍👍👍I discovered your channel a few days ago and I couldn't stop watching your videos. My favourite videos are those on sentence structure, which explain complex grammatical ideas beautifully. (You might have noticed that I tried to include different sentence structures in this comment, but I am sure my comment probably has some grammar mistakes so please allow me to apologize in advance. )

[@falloutoure2531]

i did appreciate it

[@ibrahimslmy]

I love you man ❤️

[@abdullahalasmari8238]

gaaaaaaay

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[@adamrahma1556]

OMG! very usefull teacher, i have a test tomorrow and i think u gave me more then all the teacher i had. Thank you Adam!

[@jn1280]

You are an excellent teacher. I have struggled for years to understand this . How easy you made it. I am sure many all around r getting benefited. Tx.

[@dcdailycrafter5988]

thanks man, i have exam i less then an hour hope i pass it.

[@dcdailycrafter5988]

In*

[@liquidation22]

nice mistake check

[@rabieouchane4828]

DUDE U ARE FAKING BAD ASS HAHAHAHAHAH. HIGH FIVE ME GOD DAMNIT. DIGITAL HIGH FIVE XDXDXD

[@amnafarooq6989]

thanks

[@liudmyladolzhenko516]

Bravo, Adam and thank you so much!

[@telmaarabe9115]

Hi Adam, I am Vasco Adriano from Mozambique! I find your grammar lesson very in intresting, you manage to explain some topics which some teachers cannot afford it. My best regards.

[@thebat4763]

My English teacher used you're video to describe sentence structure because she is too fat and lazy to do anything herself , but that was the best decision she ever made

[@debbie8783]

Lol. Sounds like u hate the teacher but love the subject.

[@hemidxelfequliyev5916]

great!

[@fathimazakkeer8642]

you r right

[@virginiaromeraciria9709]

Great explanation. Thank you so much!

[@umarovmuhammadsolih618]

Love you the best ielts instructor in the world (simple sentance but meaning of this is complex) 😍

[@diogobastos790]

Adam, This lesson was very interesting and useful, but I would like to know, how can I practice it¿ Do you know a site which has exercise about it¿ Thank so much for your time and patience Best regards.

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

Diogo Bastos 👨🏻‍🏫 Hello, Diogo. Mr Teacher here in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. I have just found your question. Have you searched KZbin for examples of these sentences? There are channels that cover all levels of English teaching available for you.

[@soltaylor-pickering8577]

EPIC!!

[@hassan6647]

Hi Adam. You are well done. I respect you and your way of teaching. YOU have a kind personality. Thanks.

[@cesar.morales.hernandez]

A very useful lesson! Thank you very much !

[@berniceyaaamponsah9153]

show by hand if u still enjoying Adam in 2019?

[@amanatasesay3554]

The greatest English teacher ever listen to have move me from a low level writer to higher profency writer. Thanks Adama.

[@JP-zk6qk]

he deserves more

[@aishamohammed3416]

✋

[@prod.byrandom3891]

imagine begging for likes for self satisfaction, oh right, you dont

[@helenagarcia9046]

2020!!!!!!

[@sameer40679]

Great

[@nadhemhasan7090]

first comment!

[@marianadetitta1259]

This makes so much more sense thank you! I did really bad on my last English test so I decided to look up more KZbin videos for makeup and it clicked!!

[@abdulhafeezkhan8065]

Mariana DeTitta Latakia. Sangs

[@fadu4923]

Hi everyone, could you please give me your feedback about the following sentence, to me it is a compound sentence, but your comments will help me understand better. Here its: The two presentations of Act 1, scene 2 by Juan and Kevin and Act II, scene2 by Sadaf are not sequential according to the play, but students can relate on how the two characters; lady Macbeth and Macbeth are protrayed in both scenes.

[@aisad3197]

Yes, That has a conjunction like But"

[@habbachlahcen619]

It is a compound sentence because it contains two independent clauses linked wit the conjunction 'but'.

[@Webusage1988]

At 8:30. Why isn't there a comma before the conjunction so?

[@Rach113]

Master Blaster I was wondering the same thing. Do compound sentences always need a comma, or does it just depend?

[@Webusage1988]

Not sure. Hope someone answers this question.

[@katie893012]

Same question here!!!

[@nathanalgren3044]

Maybe he just mistaken or haven't seen it

[@muhammadatifkhan.5794]

You are having a clear teaching method understood by students easily a strong barrier of language stand as I tried the comment sentence writing after end of your video. Thanks .

[@nonenone7303]

i want to be a teacher when i grow up

[@hanaabrahmi6543]

Me too

[@AchrafCrazyNass]

5:50 i don't understand! "Even with the weather being that nasty" is a clause, because it has a subject ( the weather ), and it has a verb ( being ). please explain to me why it's a phrase and not a clause!! Thank you.

[@AbbySantana]

Hello! even though "being" is a verb form, it is not a "tense" verb aka not conjugated. For a sentence to be what it is, it's mandatory to use a conjugated verb. A gerund (ending in ing) is equivalent of an infinitive verb sometimes, making it, therefore, a not conjugated verb.

[@AchrafCrazyNass]

+Abby Santana Hello! thank you for explaining. are you saying that if we wanna make it a clause, we need a conjugated verb?!

[@AbbySantana]

DDaDDeSS MaN a sentence and a clause are not the same. A clause differs on not having a complete thought. But yeah, that's basically what I wanted to say.

[@AchrafCrazyNass]

***** Okay thank you :)

[@yassineself-motivation5190]

When we talk about the present tense, participial phrases can be equal to gerunds in terms of the structure, but their function is completely different. Participial phrases modify nouns or pronouns; whereas, gerunds replace nouns or pronouns. "Even with the weather being that nasty." That's a phrase. I firmly believe there is no gerund phrase, nor is there a participial phrase in this sentence. " Even with the weather being that nasty" A prepositional phrase functioning as an adverb phrase modifying the verb "to decide;" hence, I state that the subject of the sentence is compound: "The couple and their families." In a nutshell, I think if we reverse the sentence, it will make sense, " The couple and their families decided to go ahead with the wedding as planned even with the weather being that nasty." See! Note that there is no comma in the last example.

[@Madpia321]

Hi Adam, I teach and help english learnings. Sometimes, I need help explaining grammar. I want you to know that you have helped me help others a lot. Thank you.😊

[@va_eva]

Thank you sir for your explaining the 4 English sentence types ❤️

[@melaninshotz_6]

Little tip: you can use the acronym “FANBOYS” to remember the coordinating conjunctions. F: for A: and N: nor B: but O: or Y: yet S: so

[@Blade_GGA_-uy4cj]

Even with the weather being that nasty is a dependent clause which makes that sentence complex not simple.

[@tatianasabana232]

Blade_GGA_0203 chmMCnggx

[@HaileyGreens]

"Even with the weather being that nasty" is a phrase and not a clause. A phrase is a component of a clause. "Being" is a present participle and not a verb so "Even with the weather being that nasty" is a phrase and not a clause. There is no verb in that phrase. Arrange the sentence as such: The couple and their families decided to go ahead with the wedding as planned even with the weather being that nasty. This is my understanding. Can an English teacher clarify whether my understanding is correct or wrong, please? ☺

[@sarahmahamid3031]

@@HaileyGreens dude/girl I LOVE YOU!!!! I was puzzled by thinking that "being" was a verb I completely forgot that it is a present participle THANK YOU!!!! for real thank you

[@TheStratton444]

About to take my exam for my teaching license, and these are so nice for review!

[@spokenenglishforbeginners7278]

Listening to you is always a pleasure. Thanks

[@yohannesseifu8559]

this is an interesting topic pls add other similar topic

[@evgeni-nabokov]

7:58 should we put a comma in front of "so I told her..."?

[@motionxd5984]

2020 gang

[@cobra_yt7032]

yes i think we should

[@erickbaguio4771]

k