A simple sentence has one predicate, while a complex sentence has at least two, since it consists of two or more constituent parts. Length doesn't matter: "The dog is sleeping" and an extended sentence with multiple determiners are simple if they contain a single predicate. Complex sentences are divided into coordinating clauses and subordinate clauses, and coordinating sentences are divided into four main types.
To sum it up
- Simple sentence – one predicate; can be unexplained (only subject and predicate) or revealed.
- Complex sentence – consists of two or more predicates, that is, of two or more compound sentences.
- Complex sentences - equivalent sentences: connecting, separating, contradictory, resulting.
- Subordinate clause - one sentence defines another and answers the question posed in it.
Simple and complex sentences - the main difference
The simplicity or complexity of a sentence is determined number of predicates . The predicate is usually a verb in the personal form ( I read , they ran , it will rain ) or nominal predicate ( he is a doctor ). The number of predicates is equal to the number of constituent sentences.
- Mom makes delicious chicken noodle soup on Sunday. - one predicate ( is preparing ), one sentence.
- Mom is cooking broth, and dad is setting the table. - two predicates ( cooks , covers ), a complex sentence.
Be careful with statements without a predicate, such as,« Silence"» or "« "To the board!". This sentence equivalents — neither simple nor complex sentences.
Types of simple sentences
Simple sentence consists only of a subject and a predicate: The dog is barking. Simple sentence contains additional defining elements – attributes, complements or adverbs: The neighbor's small dog barks loudly at the postman. The predicate is still present, so it is still a simple sentence.
A simple sentence may also not have an obvious subject ( I'm going to school. – the implied subject «I») or to be without a subject ( It will crash. ).
Types of complex sentences
В complex sentence The constituent parts are of equal rank: neither determines the other; they complement each other. Gender is determined primarily by union.
- Unions – actions occur simultaneously or sequentially. Conjunctions: and, and, and (means "and"), neither, nor . Example: I am reading a book and listening to music.
- Disjunctive sentences – the sentences are mutually exclusive, and you must choose one of the options. Conjunctions: either, or, whether, or . Example: I will go to the sea or I will go to the mountains.
- Opposite – the content of the second sentence contrasts with the first. Conjunctions: but, el, a, however, whereas, whereas . Example: I went to the concert, but there were no tickets.
- Investigation – the second sentence is a consequence of the first. Conjunctions: therefore, therefore, consequently, consequently . Example: It was raining, so we stayed at home.
Compound sentences can also be combined without a union , using only a comma or semicolon: I came home, had dinner and went to bed.
The most problematic union is «"And »", because it can connect or contrast. In a sentence «"I cook, you wash."» It indicates a contrast between people and actions, so it's an "opposite" sentence. If it can be replaced with the conjunction "and" without changing the meaning, the sentence is a conjunction. A simple question helps: do the sentences complement or contradict each other?
Comma in coordinating sentences
School rule: we put a comma before the opposite and subsequent subordinate clauses ( but, but, therefore, therefore ), But not before a connecting or dividing clause ( and, and, or, or ). The exception is repeated conjunctions: You either study or go to work.
Subordinating clause
В complex sentence One subordinate clause (subordinate) complements or defines the content of the second subordinate clause (proper). The subordinate clause answers the question posed by the proper clause and usually begins with a conjunction or pronoun: that, so that, because, since, when, when, if, which, where, what . Example: I know (about what?) , that there will be a test tomorrow.
The types of subordinate clauses correspond to the parts of the sentence: subject, predicate, object, attributive and adverbial (e.g. time, place, reason, purpose, condition). Subordinate clauses are always separated by a comma.
Table: simple and complex sentences
| Characteristic | One sentence | Complex sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Number of court decisions | one | two or more |
| Components of a sentence | flaw | at least two |
| Separation | undeveloped / developed | coordinates / subordinates |
| Conjunctions between sentences | they don't happen | for example, and, or, but, therefore, that, because, which; can also be non-conjunctive. |
| Commas | only within one sentence (for example, when listing). | depending on the type of connection between the constituent sentences |
| Example | A dog is running through the park. | The dog is running and the cat is sleeping. |
| Diagram | table of dependencies of parts of a sentence | Graph of constituent sentences (coordinates at the same level, subordinate ones below). |
How to determine the type of proposal - step by step
- Find the predicates. Look for verbs in the personal form and nominal predicates. Remember that "« I will read , is he a doctor?» - this is one of the predicates.
- Count them. One predicate is a simple sentence; none is an equivalent sentence; two or more is a complex sentence.
- Divide the sentence into parts and number them.
- Try asking a question mark from one sentence to another. If it works out ( I know – what about? ), then the sentence is a subordinate clause. If not, then it is a coordinating clause.
- Check the conjunction next to the essay : и - union, or - divisible, But - opposite, hence , – the resulting one. Changing the union (for example , And on or ) changes the gender of the sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of complex sentences exist?
There are four main types: connecting (and, and, nor), disjunctive (either, or, whether, or), contradictory (but, yet, and, yet, whereas) and consequential (so, therefore, therefore, therefore).
What is the difference between a simple and a complex sentence?
Number of predicates. A simple sentence has one predicate, while a complex sentence has at least two, since it consists of two or more component clauses.
Can a long sentence be one whole?
Yes. Length doesn't matter—a sentence with multiple attributes and adverbs remains singular if it has only one predicate.
When should you use a comma in a compound sentence?
A comma is usually not placed before conjunctions consisting of contradictory and subsequent subordinate clauses (but, however, therefore, therefore). A comma is usually not placed before a single conjunction consisting of connecting and disjunctive subordinate clauses (and, and, either, or), unless the conjunction is repeated.
What is the difference between a subordinate clause and a subordinate clause?
Subordinate clauses are equivalent, and it's impossible to ask a question from one to the other. In a subordinate clause, one clause defines the other and answers the question it poses, for example: "I know (about what?) that there's a test tomorrow.".
See also
- What is the difference between a word and a phrase?
- What is the difference between a sound and a letter?
- What is the difference between a sound and a syllable?
- How is this any different from «at least»?