Sentence Types

Simple, compound, and complex sentences

Every sentence is built from clauses. An independent clause is a complete thought that can stand on its own. A dependent clause starts with a subordinator (like because or when) and can’t stand alone. How you combine clauses decides the sentence type.

• Simple — one independent clause. “I like pizza.”
• Compound — two independent clauses joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so). “I like pizza, and my brother likes tacos.”
• Complex — an independent clause joined to a dependent clause by a subordinator (because, when, although, if). “We stayed inside because it was raining.”

How to use this tool

• Pick a type — Simple, Compound, or Complex — at the top.
• Read the two clause blocks, then tap the highlighted joining word to snap them into one sentence.
• The finished sentence appears big with the joining word highlighted, and the caption names the type and its rule.
• Press Say it to hear the sentence, and Next for a new example.

Why it helps

Seeing clauses as movable blocks makes sentence structure concrete: students watch how a comma and a conjunction join two equal ideas, and how a subordinator turns a second thought into a dependent clause. That understanding is the foundation for varied, clear writing — and for fixing run-on sentences and comma splices.

Good for

Grades 3–8, from first practice with compound sentences through combining clauses for stronger paragraphs.