Basic Sentence Patterns

Simple sentences: 

• Independent clause.

Compound sentences:

•  Independent clause, coordinating conjunction independent clause.
  • , and
  • , nor
  • , but
  • , so
  • , for
  • , yet
  • , or
• Independent clause; independent clause.
• Independent clause; independent clause marker, independent clause.
  • ; however,
  • ; nevertheless,
  • ; therefore,
  • ; consequently, (etc.)

Complex sentences:

• Dependent marker dependent clause, independent clause.
  • Because
  • Since
  • If
  • When
  • While
  • After
• Independent clause dependent marker dependent marker.
• because
  • since
  • if
  • when
  • while
  • after (etc.)
• Subject dependent clause verb/predicate.
• Use commas before and after the dependent clause if it is nonessential.