We’re going to briefly examine what a sentence is exactly, and how it comes in different forms. Our first type of sentence is what is known as a simple sentence. This sentence contains one clause and one clause only, which can include only one word, such as “Go!” It would be a mistake to assume, however, that a simple sentence can’t be a long sentence.

One can’t tell a compound sentence, for instance, from a simple one. It’s also very important to include transitional phrases in order to link simple sentences to surrounding ones.

The compound sentence, mentioned above, includes two or more independent clauses (otherwise known as simple sentences). A good indication of the presence of a compound sentence is the use of coordinating conjunctions, words like “but,” and “or.”

Lastly, there is the complex sentence. This sentence type consists of one independent clause and one dependent clause, at a minimum. A complex sentence distinguishes itself most readily because it emphasizes which ideas the reader should pay attention to through the use of a subordinating conjunction.