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/phrases 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 success 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 after Sally leaves, as experience has showed him.

Answers:

1. Main Clause, and Main Clause. Compound
2. Main Clause, but Main Clause. Compound
3. Subordinate Clause, Main Clause; Main Clause. Compound-complex
4. Main Clause; Main Clause, Subordinate Phrase. Compound-complex

Main Clause; Main Clause, Subordinate Phrase. Compound-complex