Using the four types of sentences creates an interesting, professional-looking paper. The four types of sentences are:

• Simple-a single independent clause and NO dependent clauses. Examples:
  • James went to the store.
  • The students studied for the exam yesterday.
  • We visited Paris last year.
  • He enjoyed the movie.
• Compound-two or more independent clauses generally combined with a comma and coordinating conjunction.
  • James went to the store, and he bought a new jacket.
  • The students studied for the exam yesterday, and they took it this morning.
  • We visited Paris last year, but we did not see the Eiffel Tower.
  • He enjoyed the movie, but his girlfriend did not like it.
• Complex-one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
  • When James went to the store, he bought a new jacket.
  • Although they studied yesterday, the students were not prepared for this morning's exam.
  • When we visited Paris last year, we did not see the Eiffel Tower.
  • Although he enjoyed the movie, his girlfriend did not like it.
• Compound/Complex-two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
  • When James went to the store, he bought a new jacket, and he looked at the shoes on sale.
  • Although they studied yesterday, the students were not prepared for this morning's exam, and they failed it.
  • When we visited Paris last year, we did not see the Eiffel Tower, but we enjoyed our trip.
  • Although he enjoyed the movie, his girlfriend did not like it, and she refused to see it again.