What is the Difference Between Simple and Complex Sentence?

05/31/2025 • Felipe Moraes

The main difference between simple and complex sentences lies in the number of independent and dependent clauses they contain.

  • Simple Sentence: A simple sentence has a single independent clause, which contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It is also known as an independent clause. For example: "She reads a book."
  • Complex Sentence: A complex sentence has not only an independent clause but also contains a dependent clause. It always has a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. For example: "I always get hungry when it's time for lunch."

Here are some key points about simple and complex sentences:

  1. Both independent and dependent clauses have their own subject and verb, but not all clauses are complete thoughts.
  2. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence without an independent clause with it.
  3. Independent clauses can stand alone and form complete sentences, while dependent clauses cannot.
  4. Complex sentences can show a more specific relationship between the parts of the sentence than compound sentences.
  5. Complex sentences often start with subordinating conjunctions, such as after, although, as, as if, because, before, how, if, since, than, though, unless, until, when, where, and while.

Comparative Table: Simple vs Complex Sentence

Here is a table that highlights the differences between simple and complex sentences:

Feature Simple Sentence Complex Sentence
Definition A simple sentence has a single independent clause, which contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. A complex sentence has an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses, which cannot stand on their own as complete thoughts.
Structure Simple sentences have a subject and a verb and form a complete thought, e.g., "She missed the train.". Complex sentences have an independent clause, a dependent clause, and a subordinating conjunction or a pronoun that connects them, e.g., "She missed the train because she overslept.".
Sentence Types Simple sentences can be either declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory sentences, depending on their purpose. Complex sentences can also be declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory sentences, but they require a dependent clause to complete their structure.
Subject-Predicate Independent Each simple sentence has only one subject and one verb, which together form a complete thought. Complex sentences have one or more dependent clauses in addition to their independent clause, which cannot stand on their own as complete thoughts.

Remember that experienced writers use a combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences to make their writing more engaging and interesting.

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