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Simple, compound, complex and compound-complex sentences.
Practice: build the sentences →English sentences can be classified according to the number and relationship of their independent and dependent clauses.
The main structural types are simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
A simple sentence with one independent clause.
She was tired, but she continued working.
Она устала, но продолжала работать.
A compound sentence with two independent clauses joined by "but".
We stayed home because it was raining.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь.
A complex sentence with one independent clause and one dependent clause.
We stayed home because it was raining, and we watched a film.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь, и посмотрели фильм.
A compound-complex sentence with two independent clauses and one dependent clause.
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
A simple sentence with one independent clause.
I called him, but he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, но он не ответил.
A compound sentence with two independent clauses.
The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
Женщина, которая живёт по соседству, врач.
A complex sentence with a relative clause "who lives next door".
She arrived, we had dinner, and everyone went home.
Она приехала, мы поужинали, и все разошлись по домам.
A compound sentence with three independent clauses.
An independent clause contains a subject and a finite verb and can normally function as a complete sentence.
For example, She works here is an independent clause.
She works here.
Она работает здесь.
An independent clause with subject "She" and finite verb "works".
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
An independent clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
I called him.
Я позвонил ему.
An independent clause with subject "I" and finite verb "called".
The weather was terrible.
Погода была ужасной.
An independent clause that functions as a complete sentence.
We decided to stay home.
Мы решили остаться дома.
An independent clause with subject "We" and finite verb "decided".
She arrived on time.
Она прибыла вовремя.
An independent clause that can stand alone.
The meeting ended.
Собрание закончилось.
An independent clause with subject "The meeting" and finite verb "ended".
Everyone went home.
Все разошлись по домам.
An independent clause that functions as a complete sentence.
A dependent clause contains a subject and finite verb but cannot normally function as an independent sentence in the intended construction.
For example, because she was tired is a dependent clause that needs a main clause.
because she was tired
потому что она устала
A dependent clause introduced by "because" that needs a main clause.
when the meeting ended
когда собрание закончилось
A dependent clause introduced by "when" that needs a main clause.
although it was raining
хотя шёл дождь
A dependent clause introduced by "although" that needs a main clause.
if you study hard
если ты будешь усердно учиться
A dependent clause introduced by "if" that needs a main clause.
since he arrived late
поскольку он прибыл поздно
A dependent clause introduced by "since" that needs a main clause.
while the children played
пока дети играли
A dependent clause introduced by "while" that needs a main clause.
that he is right
что он прав
A dependent noun clause introduced by "that" that needs a main clause.
who lives next door
который живёт по соседству
A dependent relative clause introduced by "who" that needs a main clause.
A simple sentence contains one independent clause, although that clause may contain multiple phrases or coordinated elements.
For example, She works in London and She and her brother work in London are simple sentences.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
A simple sentence with one independent clause.
She and her brother work in London.
Она и её брат работают в Лондоне.
A simple sentence with a compound subject in one independent clause.
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
A simple sentence with one independent clause.
She opened the door and walked inside.
Она открыла дверь и вошла внутрь.
A simple sentence with a compound predicate in one independent clause.
The tall man in the blue suit arrived early.
Высокий мужчина в синем костюме прибыл рано.
A simple sentence with a complex subject noun phrase.
My brother and I visited the museum yesterday.
Мы с братом посетили музей вчера.
A simple sentence with a compound subject.
The baby slept peacefully.
Ребёнок мирно спал.
A simple sentence with one independent clause.
She bought a new car last week.
Она купила новую машину на прошлой неделе.
A simple sentence with one independent clause and adverbials.
A sentence can remain simple when two or more subjects share one predicate.
For example, Tom and Sarah work here contains one independent clause with a compound subject.
Tom and Sarah work here.
Том и Сара работают здесь.
One independent clause with a compound subject "Tom and Sarah".
My brother and I visited the museum.
Мы с братом посетили музей.
One independent clause with a compound subject.
The cat and the dog are sleeping.
Кошка и собака спят.
One independent clause with a compound subject.
John and Mary are getting married.
Джон и Мэри женятся.
One independent clause with a compound subject.
The teacher and the students were happy.
Учитель и ученики были счастливы.
One independent clause with a compound subject.
My mother and father live in London.
Мои мать и отец живут в Лондоне.
One independent clause with a compound subject.
The book and the magazine are on the table.
Книга и журнал на столе.
One independent clause with a compound subject.
Coffee and tea are both available.
Кофе и чай оба доступны.
One independent clause with a compound subject.
A sentence can remain simple when one subject has two or more coordinated predicates.
For example, She opened the door and walked inside contains one independent clause with a compound predicate.
She opened the door and walked inside.
Она открыла дверь и вошла внутрь.
One independent clause with a compound predicate "opened the door and walked inside".
He sat down and read the newspaper.
Он сел и прочитал газету.
One independent clause with a compound predicate.
She washed the dishes and dried them.
Она помыла посуду и вытерла её.
One independent clause with a compound predicate.
The children laughed and played in the garden.
Дети смеялись и играли в саду.
One independent clause with a compound predicate.
He finished his homework and went to bed.
Он закончил домашнюю работу и пошёл спать.
One independent clause with a compound predicate.
She sang a song and played the piano.
Она спела песню и сыграла на пианино.
One independent clause with a compound predicate.
The dog barked and ran to the door.
Собака залаяла и побежала к двери.
One independent clause with a compound predicate.
We ate dinner and watched a movie.
Мы поужинали и посмотрели фильм.
One independent clause with a compound predicate.
A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by coordination or appropriate punctuation.
For example, She was tired, but she continued working.
She was tired, but she continued working.
Она устала, но продолжала работать.
Two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction "but".
I called him, but he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, но он не ответил.
Two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction "but".
The weather was terrible; we decided to stay home.
Погода была ужасной; мы решили остаться дома.
Two independent clauses joined by a semicolon.
She arrived, and we started dinner.
Она приехала, и мы начали ужинать.
Two independent clauses joined by "and".
You can stay here, or you can come with us.
Ты можешь остаться здесь или пойти с нами.
Two independent clauses joined by "or".
It was raining, so we took a taxi.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы взяли такси.
Two independent clauses joined by "so".
She studied hard, yet she still failed the exam.
Она усердно училась, но всё равно провалила экзамен.
Two independent clauses joined by "yet".
He did not call, nor did he send a message.
Он не позвонил и не отправил сообщение.
Two independent clauses joined by "nor".
Independent clauses can be coordinated using conjunctions such as and, but, or, so, yet, for, and nor.
For example, I called him, but he did not answer.
I called him, but he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, но он не ответил.
The coordinating conjunction "but" joins two independent clauses.
She arrived, and we started dinner.
Она приехала, и мы начали ужинать.
The coordinating conjunction "and" joins two independent clauses.
You can stay here, or you can come with us.
Ты можешь остаться здесь или пойти с нами.
The coordinating conjunction "or" joins two independent clauses.
It was raining, so we took a taxi.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы взяли такси.
The coordinating conjunction "so" joins two independent clauses.
She studied hard, yet she still failed the exam.
Она усердно училась, но всё равно провалила экзамен.
The coordinating conjunction "yet" joins two independent clauses.
He did not call, nor did he send a message.
Он не позвонил и не отправил сообщение.
The coordinating conjunction "nor" joins two independent clauses.
She was tired, for she had worked all day.
Она устала, потому что работала весь день.
The coordinating conjunction "for" joins two independent clauses.
We could go to the beach, or we could stay home.
Мы могли бы пойти на пляж или остаться дома.
The coordinating conjunction "or" joins two independent clauses.
Two closely related independent clauses can be joined by a semicolon without a coordinating conjunction.
For example, The weather was terrible; we decided to stay home.
The weather was terrible; we decided to stay home.
Погода была ужасной; мы решили остаться дома.
A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses.
She studied hard; she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась; она сдала экзамен.
A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses.
The meeting was long; everyone was tired.
Собрание было долгим; все устали.
A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses.
He arrived late; the train had already left.
Он прибыл поздно; поезд уже ушёл.
A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses.
She loves coffee; he prefers tea.
Она любит кофе; он предпочитает чай.
A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses.
The book was long; it was still interesting.
Книга была длинной; но всё же интересной.
A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses.
We could walk; we could also take the bus.
Мы могли бы пойти пешком; мы также могли бы поехать на автобусе.
A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses.
The film was boring; we left early.
Фильм был скучным; мы ушли рано.
A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses.
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
For example, We stayed home because it was raining.
We stayed home because it was raining.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь.
One independent clause and one dependent clause introduced by "because".
We left when the meeting ended.
Мы ушли, когда собрание закончилось.
One independent clause and one dependent clause introduced by "when".
She smiled although she was tired.
Она улыбнулась, хотя устала.
One independent clause and one dependent clause introduced by "although".
If you study hard, you will pass.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь.
One independent clause and one dependent clause introduced by "if".
The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
Женщина, которая живёт по соседству, врач.
A complex sentence with a relative clause "who lives next door".
I know that he is right.
Я знаю, что он прав.
A complex sentence with a noun clause "that he is right".
What she said surprised everyone.
То, что она сказала, удивило всех.
A complex sentence with a noun clause "What she said" as the subject.
She left because she was tired.
Она ушла, потому что устала.
One independent clause and one dependent clause introduced by "because".
Dependent clauses can be introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, if, when, while, and since.
For example, We left when the meeting ended.
We left when the meeting ended.
Мы ушли, когда собрание закончилось.
The dependent clause "when the meeting ended" uses the subordinating conjunction "when".
We stayed home because it was raining.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь.
The dependent clause "because it was raining" uses the subordinating conjunction "because".
She smiled although she was tired.
Она улыбнулась, хотя устала.
The dependent clause "although she was tired" uses the subordinating conjunction "although".
If you study hard, you will pass.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь.
The dependent clause "If you study hard" uses the subordinating conjunction "if".
While the children played, we talked.
Пока дети играли, мы разговаривали.
The dependent clause "While the children played" uses the subordinating conjunction "while".
Since he arrived late, he missed the start.
Поскольку он прибыл поздно, он пропустил начало.
The dependent clause "Since he arrived late" uses the subordinating conjunction "since".
I will call you when I arrive.
Я позвоню тебе, когда приеду.
The dependent clause "when I arrive" uses the subordinating conjunction "when".
She was happy because she passed the exam.
Она была счастлива, потому что сдала экзамен.
The dependent clause "because she passed the exam" uses the subordinating conjunction "because".
A sentence can be complex because a relative clause is embedded inside an independent clause.
For example, The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
Женщина, которая живёт по соседству, врач.
The relative clause "who lives next door" is embedded in the independent clause.
The book that I bought is on the table.
Книга, которую я купил, на столе.
The relative clause "that I bought" is embedded in the independent clause.
The car which caused the accident was damaged.
Машина, которая вызвала аварию, была повреждена.
The relative clause "which caused the accident" is embedded in the independent clause.
My brother, who lives in Canada, is visiting us.
Мой брат, который живёт в Канаде, навещает нас.
The non-defining relative clause "who lives in Canada" is embedded in the independent clause.
The man whose car was stolen called the police.
Мужчина, чью машину украли, позвонил в полицию.
The relative clause "whose car was stolen" is embedded in the independent clause.
The film that we watched was excellent.
Фильм, который мы смотрели, был отличным.
The relative clause "that we watched" is embedded in the independent clause.
The house where I grew up is old.
Дом, где я вырос, старый.
The relative clause "where I grew up" is embedded in the independent clause.
The students who passed the exam received certificates.
Студенты, которые сдали экзамен, получили сертификаты.
The relative clause "who passed the exam" is embedded in the independent clause.
A noun clause can function as a subject, object, complement, or other constituent within a complex sentence.
For example, What she said surprised everyone and I know that he is right.
What she said surprised everyone.
То, что она сказала, удивило всех.
The noun clause "What she said" functions as the subject.
I know that he is right.
Я знаю, что он прав.
The noun clause "that he is right" functions as the object.
The problem is what we should do next.
Проблема в том, что нам делать дальше.
The noun clause "what we should do next" functions as the subject complement.
I wonder whether she will come.
Интересно, придёт ли она.
The noun clause "whether she will come" functions as the object.
That she passed the exam surprised us.
То, что она сдала экзамен, удивило нас.
The noun clause "That she passed the exam" functions as the subject.
He told me that he would come.
Он сказал мне, что придёт.
The noun clause "that he would come" functions as the direct object.
This is what I wanted.
Это то, что я хотел.
The noun clause "what I wanted" functions as the subject complement.
Whoever arrives first can start.
Кто придёт первым, может начать.
The noun clause "Whoever arrives first" functions as the subject.
A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
For example, We stayed home because it was raining, and we watched a film while the children played.
We stayed home because it was raining, and we watched a film while the children played.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь, и посмотрели фильм, пока дети играли.
Two independent clauses and two dependent clauses "because it was raining" and "while the children played".
She studied hard, so she passed the exam, although it was difficult.
Она усердно училась, поэтому сдала экзамен, хотя он был трудным.
Two independent clauses and one dependent clause "although it was difficult".
I called him because I needed help, but he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, потому что мне нужна была помощь, но он не ответил.
Two independent clauses and one dependent clause "because I needed help".
When the meeting ended, we went home, and we discussed the plan.
Когда собрание закончилось, мы пошли домой и обсудили план.
Two independent clauses and one dependent clause "When the meeting ended".
The film was long, but we enjoyed it because the acting was excellent.
Фильм был длинным, но нам понравилось, потому что игра актёров была отличной.
Two independent clauses and one dependent clause "because the acting was excellent".
If you study hard, you will pass, and you will be happy.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь и будешь счастлив.
Two independent clauses and one dependent clause "If you study hard".
She was tired, yet she continued, because she wanted to finish.
Она устала, но продолжала, потому что хотела закончить.
Two independent clauses and one dependent clause "because she wanted to finish".
We could go to the beach, or we could stay home if it rains.
Мы могли бы пойти на пляж или остаться дома, если пойдёт дождь.
Two independent clauses and one dependent clause "if it rains".
A sentence can contain more than two independent clauses when they are correctly coordinated or separated.
For example, She arrived, we had dinner, and everyone went home.
She arrived, we had dinner, and everyone went home.
Она приехала, мы поужинали, и все разошлись по домам.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
I called him, he did not answer, and I left a message.
Я позвонил ему, он не ответил, и я оставил сообщение.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
She studied hard, she passed the exam, and she celebrated.
Она усердно училась, сдала экзамен и отпраздновала.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
We could stay here, we could leave, or we could wait.
Мы могли бы остаться здесь, уйти или подождать.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "or".
The weather was bad, the roads were closed, so we stayed home.
Погода была плохой, дороги были закрыты, поэтому мы остались дома.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "so".
She opened the door, she walked inside, and she sat down.
Она открыла дверь, вошла и села.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
He finished his work, he closed his laptop, and he left the office.
Он закончил работу, закрыл ноутбук и вышел из офиса.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
The children played, the parents talked, and everyone had a good time.
Дети играли, родители разговаривали, и все хорошо провели время.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
A sentence can contain more than one dependent clause attached to the same or different parts of the main clause.
For example, We left because it was late and because everyone was tired.
We left because it was late and because everyone was tired.
Мы ушли, потому что было поздно и потому что все устали.
Two dependent clauses "because it was late" and "because everyone was tired" attached to the main clause.
She was happy because she passed the exam and because her friend also passed.
Она была счастлива, потому что сдала экзамен и потому что её друг тоже сдал.
Two dependent clauses "because she passed the exam" and "because her friend also passed".
I will call you when I arrive and when I have time.
Я позвоню тебе, когда приеду и когда у меня будет время.
Two dependent clauses "when I arrive" and "when I have time".
He left although he was tired and although he wanted to stay.
Он ушёл, хотя устал и хотя хотел остаться.
Two dependent clauses "although he was tired" and "although he wanted to stay".
The plan will succeed if we work hard and if we stay focused.
План удастся, если мы будем усердно работать и если останемся сосредоточенными.
Two dependent clauses "if we work hard" and "if we stay focused".
She smiled because she was happy and because she had good news.
Она улыбнулась, потому что была счастлива и потому что у неё были хорошие новости.
Two dependent clauses "because she was happy" and "because she had good news".
We will start when everyone arrives and when the room is ready.
Мы начнём, когда все прибудут и когда комната будет готова.
Two dependent clauses "when everyone arrives" and "when the room is ready".
He was late because the traffic was bad and because he missed the bus.
Он опоздал, потому что пробки были ужасными и потому что он опоздал на автобус.
Two dependent clauses "because the traffic was bad" and "because he missed the bus".
One clause can be embedded within another clause as a subject, object, complement, or modifier.
For example, I know that she believes that he is right contains multiple levels of clause embedding.
I know that she believes that he is right.
Я знаю, что она верит, что он прав.
The clause "that she believes that he is right" contains the embedded clause "that he is right".
The man who said that he saw the accident called the police.
Мужчина, который сказал, что видел аварию, позвонил в полицию.
The relative clause "who said that he saw the accident" contains the embedded noun clause "that he saw the accident".
I think that the person who called yesterday said that the meeting was cancelled.
Я думаю, что человек, который звонил вчера, сказал, что собрание отменено.
Multiple levels of clause embedding: "that the person who called yesterday said that the meeting was cancelled".
She said that she would come if she had time.
Она сказала, что придёт, если у неё будет время.
The clause "that she would come if she had time" contains the embedded conditional clause "if she had time".
The book that I bought because you recommended it is excellent.
Книга, которую я купил, потому что ты её рекомендовал, отличная.
The relative clause "that I bought because you recommended it" contains the embedded clause "because you recommended it".
I believe that what she said is true.
Я верю, что то, что она сказала, правда.
The clause "that what she said is true" contains the embedded noun clause "what she said".
He told me that the woman who lives next door is a doctor.
Он сказал мне, что женщина, которая живёт по соседству, врач.
The clause "that the woman who lives next door is a doctor" contains the embedded relative clause "who lives next door".
I wonder whether the person who called said that he would come.
Интересно, сказал ли человек, который звонил, что придёт.
Multiple levels of embedding in "whether the person who called said that he would come".
Coordination joins elements of equal grammatical status, while subordination makes one clause dependent on another.
Compare She arrived and we started with We started when she arrived.
She arrived and we started.
Она приехала, и мы начали.
Coordination joins two independent clauses of equal status with "and".
We started when she arrived.
Мы начали, когда она приехала.
Subordination makes the clause "when she arrived" dependent on the main clause.
She was tired, but she continued.
Она устала, но продолжала.
Coordination joins two independent clauses with "but".
Although she was tired, she continued.
Хотя она устала, она продолжала.
Subordination makes the clause "Although she was tired" dependent.
It was raining, so we took a taxi.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы взяли такси.
Coordination joins two independent clauses with "so".
Because it was raining, we took a taxi.
Поскольку шёл дождь, мы взяли такси.
Subordination makes the clause "Because it was raining" dependent.
You can stay here, or you can come with us.
Ты можешь остаться здесь или пойти с нами.
Coordination joins two independent clauses with "or".
If you want, you can come with us.
Если хочешь, можешь пойти с нами.
Subordination makes the clause "If you want" dependent.
A sentence fragment is an incomplete structure presented as though it were an independent sentence.
For example, Because I was tired is normally a fragment when used alone.
Because I was tired.
Потому что я устал.
A sentence fragment when used alone; it needs a main clause.
When the meeting ended.
Когда собрание закончилось.
A sentence fragment when used alone; it needs a main clause.
Although it was raining.
Хотя шёл дождь.
A sentence fragment when used alone; it needs a main clause.
The tall man in the blue suit.
Высокий мужчина в синем костюме.
A sentence fragment when used alone; it lacks a finite verb.
Running down the street.
Бегущий по улице.
A sentence fragment when used alone; it lacks a subject and finite verb.
After the long and difficult journey.
После долгого и трудного путешествия.
A sentence fragment when used alone; it needs a main clause.
The book that I bought yesterday.
Книга, которую я купил вчера.
A sentence fragment when used alone; it lacks a main verb.
Who lives next door.
Который живёт по соседству.
A sentence fragment when used alone; it needs a main clause.
A run-on sentence incorrectly joins independent clauses without appropriate punctuation or coordination.
For example, I was tired I went home is a run-on and needs to be divided or correctly joined.
I was tired I went home.
Я устал я пошёл домой.
A run-on sentence: two independent clauses joined without punctuation or coordination.
She arrived we started dinner.
Она приехала мы начали ужинать.
A run-on sentence: two independent clauses joined without punctuation or coordination.
The weather was terrible we decided to stay home.
Погода была ужасной мы решили остаться дома.
A run-on sentence: two independent clauses joined without punctuation or coordination.
He did not call he did not send a message.
Он не позвонил он не отправил сообщение.
A run-on sentence: two independent clauses joined without punctuation or coordination.
I called him he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему он не ответил.
A run-on sentence: two independent clauses joined without punctuation or coordination.
She studied hard she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась она сдала экзамен.
A run-on sentence: two independent clauses joined without punctuation or coordination.
We could go to the beach we could stay home.
Мы могли бы пойти на пляж мы могли бы остаться дома.
A run-on sentence: two independent clauses joined without punctuation or coordination.
The meeting was long everyone was tired.
Собрание было долгим все устали.
A run-on sentence: two independent clauses joined without punctuation or coordination.
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only with a comma.
For example, I was tired, I went home is incorrect in standard formal English without an appropriate conjunction or other punctuation.
I was tired, I went home.
Я устал, я пошёл домой.
A comma splice: two independent clauses joined only with a comma.
She arrived, we started dinner.
Она приехала, мы начали ужинать.
A comma splice: two independent clauses joined only with a comma.
The weather was terrible, we decided to stay home.
Погода была ужасной, мы решили остаться дома.
A comma splice: two independent clauses joined only with a comma.
He did not call, he did not send a message.
Он не позвонил, он не отправил сообщение.
A comma splice: two independent clauses joined only with a comma.
I called him, he did not answer.
Я позвонил ему, он не ответил.
A comma splice: two independent clauses joined only with a comma.
She studied hard, she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась, она сдала экзамен.
A comma splice: two independent clauses joined only with a comma.
We could go to the beach, we could stay home.
Мы могли бы пойти на пляж, мы могли бы остаться дома.
A comma splice: two independent clauses joined only with a comma.
The meeting was long, everyone was tired.
Собрание было долгим, все устали.
A comma splice: two independent clauses joined only with a comma.
The relationship between clauses determines which punctuation and conjunctions are appropriate.
Simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences follow different structural relationships that affect punctuation.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
A simple sentence ends with a full stop.
She was tired, but she continued working.
Она устала, но продолжала работать.
A compound sentence uses a comma before the coordinating conjunction "but".
We stayed home because it was raining.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь.
A complex sentence with a dependent clause does not require a comma when the dependent clause follows the main clause.
Because it was raining, we stayed home.
Поскольку шёл дождь, мы остались дома.
A complex sentence with a fronted dependent clause uses a comma after the dependent clause.
The weather was terrible; we decided to stay home.
Погода была ужасной; мы решили остаться дома.
A compound sentence can use a semicolon between independent clauses.
We stayed home because it was raining, and we watched a film.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь, и посмотрели фильм.
A compound-complex sentence uses a comma before "and".
She arrived, we had dinner, and everyone went home.
Она приехала, мы поужинали, и все разошлись по домам.
Multiple independent clauses use commas and a final "and".
Stop!
Стой!
An imperative sentence can end with an exclamation mark for urgency.
More complex sentence structures allow several related ideas to be expressed within one grammatical unit.
Complex and compound-complex structures are useful when relationships such as cause, contrast, condition, or time need to be made explicit.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
A simple sentence with low information density.
She works in London, and her brother works in Paris.
Она работает в Лондоне, а её брат работает в Париже.
A compound sentence with higher information density.
Because the evidence was limited, the researchers repeated the experiment.
Поскольку доказательства были ограничены, исследователи повторили эксперимент.
A complex sentence expressing a cause relationship.
We stayed home because it was raining, and we watched a film while the children played.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь, и посмотрели фильм, пока дети играли.
A compound-complex sentence with several relationships made explicit.
Although she was tired, she continued working because she wanted to finish.
Хотя она устала, она продолжала работать, потому что хотела закончить.
A complex sentence with contrast and reason relationships.
If you study hard, you will pass, and you will be happy.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь и будешь счастлив.
A compound-complex sentence expressing condition and result.
She was happy because she passed the exam and because her friend also passed.
Она была счастлива, потому что сдала экзамен и потому что её друг тоже сдал.
A complex sentence with two coordinated dependent clauses.
The film was long, but we enjoyed it because the acting was excellent.
Фильм был длинным, но нам понравилось, потому что игра актёров была отличной.
A compound-complex sentence with contrast and reason.
Simple sentences can provide clarity and emphasis even in formal writing.
A simple structure is not necessarily less sophisticated; writers often use it deliberately alongside more complex sentences.
The results were significant.
Результаты были значительными.
A simple sentence providing clarity and emphasis in formal writing.
The experiment failed.
Эксперимент провалился.
A simple sentence providing clarity and emphasis in formal writing.
The data support the hypothesis.
Данные подтверждают гипотезу.
A simple sentence providing clarity and emphasis in formal writing.
The theory remains controversial.
Теория остаётся спорной.
A simple sentence providing clarity and emphasis in formal writing.
The evidence is inconclusive.
Доказательства неубедительны.
A simple sentence providing clarity and emphasis in formal writing.
The committee approved the proposal.
Комитет одобрил предложение.
A simple sentence providing clarity and emphasis in formal writing.
The study produced unexpected results.
Исследование дало неожиданные результаты.
A simple sentence providing clarity and emphasis in formal writing.
The findings require further analysis.
Результаты требуют дальнейшего анализа.
A simple sentence providing clarity and emphasis in formal writing.
Complex sentences are common in academic and formal writing because they allow relationships between ideas to be expressed precisely.
For example, Because the evidence was limited, the researchers repeated the experiment.
Because the evidence was limited, the researchers repeated the experiment.
Поскольку доказательства были ограничены, исследователи повторили эксперимент.
A complex sentence expressing cause in academic writing.
Although the results were unexpected, they supported the hypothesis.
Хотя результаты были неожиданными, они подтвердили гипотезу.
A complex sentence expressing contrast in academic writing.
If the conditions are controlled, the experiment can be replicated.
Если условия контролируются, эксперимент можно воспроизвести.
A complex sentence expressing condition in academic writing.
The theory that was proposed by Einstein revolutionized physics.
Теория, предложенная Эйнштейном, произвела революцию в физике.
A complex sentence with a relative clause "that was proposed by Einstein".
The study, which was conducted over five years, produced significant results.
Исследование, которое проводилось в течение пяти лет, дало значительные результаты.
A complex sentence with a non-defining relative clause "which was conducted over five years".
The researchers concluded that the hypothesis was correct.
Исследователи пришли к выводу, что гипотеза верна.
A complex sentence with a noun clause "that the hypothesis was correct".
What the study revealed was unexpected.
То, что выявило исследование, было неожиданным.
A complex sentence with a noun clause "What the study revealed" as the subject.
Since the data were incomplete, the analysis was inconclusive.
Поскольку данные были неполными, анализ был неубедительным.
A complex sentence expressing reason in academic writing.
More than two independent clauses can be coordinated when the relationships between them are clear and punctuation is controlled.
For example, She arrived, we had lunch, and we discussed the proposal.
She arrived, we had lunch, and we discussed the proposal.
Она приехала, мы пообедали и обсудили предложение.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
I called him, he did not answer, and I left a message.
Я позвонил ему, он не ответил, и я оставил сообщение.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
She studied hard, she passed the exam, and she celebrated.
Она усердно училась, сдала экзамен и отпраздновала.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
We could stay here, we could leave, or we could wait.
Мы могли бы остаться здесь, уйти или подождать.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "or".
The weather was bad, the roads were closed, so we stayed home.
Погода была плохой, дороги были закрыты, поэтому мы остались дома.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "so".
She opened the door, she walked inside, and she sat down.
Она открыла дверь, вошла и села.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
He finished his work, he closed his laptop, and he left the office.
Он закончил работу, закрыл ноутбук и вышел из офиса.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
The children played, the parents talked, and everyone had a good time.
Дети играли, родители разговаривали, и все хорошо провели время.
Three independent clauses joined by commas and "and".
A sentence can contain clauses embedded inside other dependent or independent clauses.
For example, I think that the person who called yesterday said that the meeting was cancelled.
I think that the person who called yesterday said that the meeting was cancelled.
Я думаю, что человек, который звонил вчера, сказал, что собрание отменено.
Multiple levels of embedding: "that the person who called yesterday said that the meeting was cancelled".
I know that she believes that he is right.
Я знаю, что она верит, что он прав.
The clause "that she believes that he is right" contains the embedded clause "that he is right".
The man who said that he saw the accident called the police.
Мужчина, который сказал, что видел аварию, позвонил в полицию.
The relative clause "who said that he saw the accident" contains the embedded clause "that he saw the accident".
She said that she would come if she had time.
Она сказала, что придёт, если у неё будет время.
The clause "that she would come if she had time" contains the embedded conditional clause "if she had time".
The book that I bought because you recommended it is excellent.
Книга, которую я купил, потому что ты её рекомендовал, отличная.
The relative clause "that I bought because you recommended it" contains the embedded clause "because you recommended it".
I believe that what she said is true.
Я верю, что то, что она сказала, правда.
The clause "that what she said is true" contains the embedded noun clause "what she said".
He told me that the woman who lives next door is a doctor.
Он сказал мне, что женщина, которая живёт по соседству, врач.
The clause "that the woman who lives next door is a doctor" contains the embedded relative clause "who lives next door".
I wonder whether the person who called said that he would come.
Интересно, сказал ли человек, который звонил, что придёт.
Multiple levels of embedding in "whether the person who called said that he would come".
Long sentences should contain clearly organized clause relationships so that additional complexity does not reduce readability.
A sentence may be grammatically correct but still difficult to process if too many clauses are embedded without clear organization.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
A short sentence with clear organization and high readability.
She works in London, and her brother works in Paris.
Она работает в Лондоне, а её брат работает в Париже.
A compound sentence with clear coordination and high readability.
Because the evidence was limited, the researchers repeated the experiment.
Поскольку доказательства были ограничены, исследователи повторили эксперимент.
A complex sentence with clear subordination and good readability.
Although the results were unexpected, they supported the hypothesis, and the researchers were satisfied.
Хотя результаты были неожиданными, они подтвердили гипотезу, и исследователи были довольны.
A compound-complex sentence with clear clause relationships.
We stayed home because it was raining, and we watched a film while the children played.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь, и посмотрели фильм, пока дети играли.
A compound-complex sentence with clear organization despite its length.
If you study hard, you will pass, and you will be happy.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь и будешь счастлив.
A compound-complex sentence with clear condition and result.
I think that the person who called yesterday said that the meeting was cancelled.
Я думаю, что человек, который звонил вчера, сказал, что собрание отменено.
A complex sentence with multiple embeddings, organized for readability.
The study, which was conducted over five years, produced significant results that surprised the researchers.
Исследование, которое проводилось в течение пяти лет, дало значительные результаты, которые удивили исследователей.
A complex sentence with clear relative clause relationships.
Choose a sentence structure according to the relationship between ideas, the desired emphasis, and the level of information density.
Use coordination for equal ideas, subordination for dependent relationships, and simpler structures when clarity or emphasis is more important.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
A simple sentence for clarity and emphasis.
She works in London, and her brother works in Paris.
Она работает в Лондоне, а её брат работает в Париже.
A compound sentence for equal ideas.
Because the evidence was limited, the researchers repeated the experiment.
Поскольку доказательства были ограничены, исследователи повторили эксперимент.
A complex sentence for a dependent relationship of cause.
We stayed home because it was raining, and we watched a film while the children played.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь, и посмотрели фильм, пока дети играли.
A compound-complex sentence for several related ideas.
If you study hard, you will pass, and you will be happy.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь и будешь счастлив.
A compound-complex sentence for condition, result, and additional information.
Although she was tired, she continued working because she wanted to finish.
Хотя она устала, она продолжала работать, потому что хотела закончить.
A complex sentence for contrast and reason.
I think that the person who called yesterday said that the meeting was cancelled.
Я думаю, что человек, который звонил вчера, сказал, что собрание отменено.
A complex sentence with embedded clauses for information density.
The weather was terrible; we decided to stay home.
Погода была ужасной; мы решили остаться дома.
A compound sentence with a semicolon for closely related ideas.
Identify the clauses in a sentence and connect them using appropriate coordination, subordination, punctuation, and clause boundaries.
Common mistakes include sentence fragments, run-ons, comma splices, incorrectly classifying compound subjects or predicates as multiple clauses, and creating unnecessarily complex structures.
We stayed home because it was raining.
Мы остались дома, потому что шёл дождь.
Correct: a complex sentence with a dependent clause "because it was raining".
She was tired, but she continued working.
Она устала, но продолжала работать.
Correct: a compound sentence with the coordinating conjunction "but".
I was tired; I went home.
Я устал; я пошёл домой.
Correct: a semicolon joins two independent clauses.
Tom and Sarah work here.
Том и Сара работают здесь.
Correct: a simple sentence with a compound subject, not multiple clauses.
She opened the door and walked inside.
Она открыла дверь и вошла внутрь.
Correct: a simple sentence with a compound predicate, not multiple clauses.
Because I was tired.
Потому что я устал.
Incorrect as a standalone sentence: this is a sentence fragment.
I was tired I went home.
Я устал я пошёл домой.
Incorrect: a run-on sentence without punctuation or coordination.
I was tired, I went home.
Я устал, я пошёл домой.
Incorrect: a comma splice; a comma alone cannot join two independent clauses.