Types of Sentences
The main clause of a sentence, like all other clauses, consists of a subject and a verb. However, a main clause also is a complete thought. A main clause is also known as an independent clause or a simple sentence. Generally, though, the term main clause refers to the independent clause within a sentence that contains other phrases or clauses.
Simple Sentences
I forgot to get the mail.
I asked Dave to pick it up.
Main Clauses in Sentences
I forgot to get the mail, so I asked Dave to pick it up.
I asked Dave to pick up the mail, because I forgot to get it.
As shown above, a sentence consisting of only a main clause is considered a simple sentence. In addition, there are three other types of sentences: compound, complex, compound-complex.
A simple sentence has only one subject and one predicate.
Sally ran across the yard. [Subject + Verb + Object]
A compound sentence has at least two main clauses.
Sally ran across the yard, and Jane followed behind her. [Main Clause, and Main Clause]
A complex sentence has one main clause and at least one subordinate clause.
As soon as Sally ran across the yard, Jane followed behind her. [Adverb Clause, Main Clause]
A compound-complex sentence has at least two main clauses and at least one subordinate clause.
As soon as Sally ran across the yard, Jane followed behind her; at the end of the yard they turned and ran back. [Adverb Clause, Main Clause; Main Clause]
In addition to these four types of sentences, sentences may be classified according to their purpose.
Declarative [Statement]: Sally ran across the yard.
Imperative [Request or Command]: Run across the yard.
Interrogative [Question]: Did she run across the yard?
Exclamatory [Exclamation]: Sally ran across the yard!
Try It!
Find the main clauses and the subordinate clauses in the following sentences. Then, classify the sentences.
1. The sale advertisement showed my favorite items, and I immediately went to the store to make a purchase.
2. The two clouds in the sky make the image of a heart and an arrow, but they dissipate as the clouds quickly move.
3. Though my mother can get on my nerves, I am sometimes glad that she is around; her support has helped me achieve in life.
4. My cat enjoys sitting in my chair beside me; he sits with his legs on the chair and his arms on the armrest, looking like a miniature human.
5. Sally is a chocolate lover; Carl must hide his chocolate if he wants any for when Sally leave, as experience has showed him.