How can I make long sentences, when do I make them?

Below, I have set out a few rules and usages of 4 sentence types: Simple, Compound, Complex, Compound-Complex.

I hope it helps :)

Sentence Structure and Types of Sentences

The following work has been taken/adapted from Walden University

Definitions and Examples of Basic Sentence Elements

Independent clause:

An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb and is a complete idea.

• I like spaghetti.
• He reads many books.

Dependent clause:

A dependent clause is not a complete sentence. It must be attached to an independent clause to become complete. This is also known as a subordinate clause.

• Although I like spaghetti,…
• Because he reads many books,…

Subject:

A person, animal, place, thing, or concept that does an action. Determine the subject in a sentence by asking the question “Who or what?”

• I like spaghetti.
• He reads many books.

Verb:

Expresses what the person, animal, place, thing, or concept does. Determine the verb in a sentence by asking the question “What was the action or what happened?”

• I like spaghetti.
• He reads many books.
• The movie is good. The be verb is also sometimes referred to as a copula or a linking verb. It links the subject, in this case "the movie," to the complement or the predicate of the sentence, in this case, "good.")

Object:

A person, animal, place, thing, or concept that receives the action. Determine the object in a sentence by asking the question “The subject did what?” or “To whom?/For whom?”

• I like spaghetti.
• He reads many books.

Prepositional Phrase:

A phrase that begins with a preposition (i.e., in, at for, behind, until, after, of, during) and modifies a word in the sentence. A prepositional phrase answers one of many questions. Here are a few examples: “Where? When? In what way?”

• I like spaghetti for dinner.
• He reads many books in the library.

Please find a list of common Prepositional Phrases at the following link: A List of Prepositional Phrases

English Sentence Structure

The following statements are true about sentences in English:

• A new sentence begins with a capital letter.
  • He obtained his degree.
• A sentence ends with punctuation (a period, a question mark, or an exclamation point).
  • He obtained his degree.
• A sentence contains a subject that is only given once.
  • Smith he obtained his degree.
• A sentence contains a verb or a verb phrase.
  • He obtained his degree.
• A sentence follows Subject + Verb + Object word order.
  • He (subject) obtained (verb) his degree (object).
• A sentence must have a complete idea that stands alone. This is also called an independent clause.
  • He obtained his degree.

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb, and it may also have an object and modifiers. However, it contains only one independent clause.

Key: Yellow, bold = subject; green underline = verb, blue, italics = object, pink, regular font = prepositional phrase

Here are a few examples:

• She wrote.
• She completed her literature review.
• He organized his sources by theme.
• They studied APA rules for many hours.

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses. These two independent clauses can be combined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction or with a semicolon.

Key: independent clause = Yellow, bold; comma or semicolon = orange, regular font; coordinating conjunction = gold, underlined

Here are a few examples:

She completed her literature review , and she created her reference list.
• He organized his sources by theme; then he updated his reference list.
• They studied APA rules for many hours, but they realized there was still much to learn.

Using some compound sentences in writing allows for more sentence variety.

Coordinating Conjunctions:

• For: Used to indicate a reason or cause.
  She went to the store, for she needed to buy groceries.
• And: Joins two similar or related ideas.
  He likes to read books, and he also enjoys watching movies.
• Nor: Used to introduce a negative alternative.
  Neither the rain nor the snow stopped them from going on their hike.
• But: Indicates a contrast or exception.
  She studied hard, but she still didn't pass the exam.
• Or: Introduces an alternative or choice.
  Would you like tea or coffee?
• Yet: Introduces a contrast or unexpected result.
  He was tired, yet he kept working late into the night.
• So: Indicates a consequence or result.
  It was getting late, so they decided to leave early.

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence contains at least one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Dependent clauses can refer to the subject (who, which), the sequence/time (since, while), or the causal elements (because, if) of the independent clause.

If a sentence begins with a dependent clause, note the comma after this clause. If, on the other hand, the sentence begins with an independent clause, there is not a comma separating the two clauses.

Key: independent clause = yellow, bold; comma = pink, regular font; dependent clause = blue, italics

Here are a few examples:

• Although she completed her literature review , she still needed to work on her methods section.
• Because he organized his sources by theme , it was easier for his readers to follow.
• They studied APA rules for many hours as they were so interesting.

A key element to writing a complex sentences is using Subordinating Conjunctions.

For example:

Subordinating Conjunctions:

• After: Indicates time.
  After she finished her homework, she went to bed.
• Although: Introduces a contrast or concession.
  Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
• As: Indicates manner or reason.
  She sang loudly as she walked down the street.
• Because: Introduces a cause or reason.
  They stayed indoors because it was raining outside.
• Before: Indicates time.
  Please finish your dinner before you go out to play.
• Even though: Introduces a contrast or concession.
  Even though he was tired, he stayed up to finish the project.
• If: Introduces a condition.
  If it rains tomorrow, we'll have to cancel our picnic.
• Since: Indicates time or reason.
  Since it was Friday, they decided to go out for dinner.
• Though: Introduces a contrast or concession.
  Though she was busy, she made time to call her friend.
• Unless: Introduces a condition.
  Unless you finish your homework, you can't watch TV.
• Until: Indicates time.
  They waited patiently until the bus arrived.
• When: Indicates time.
  She smiled when she saw her birthday present.
• Whenever: Indicates time.
  Whenever it snows, they build a snowman.
• Where: Indicates place.
  She left her keys where she always does, on the kitchen counter.
• Whereas: Introduces a contrast.
  He enjoys action movies, whereas she prefers romantic comedies.
• While: Indicates time or contrast.
  She read a book while waiting for her appointment.

Compound-Complex Sentences

Sentence types can also be combined. A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Key: independent clause = yellow, bold; comma or semicolon = pink, regular font; coordinating conjunction = green, underlined; dependent clause = blue, italics

Here are a few examples:

• She completed her literature review, but she still needs to work on her methods section even though she finished her methods course last semester.
• Although he organized his sources by theme, he decided to arrange them chronologically, and he carefully followed the MEAL plan for organization.
• With pizza and soda at hand, they studied APA rules for many hours, and they decided that writing in APA made sense because it was clear ,concise, and objective.

Using some complex-compound sentences in writing allows for more sentence variety. Pay close attention to comma usage in complex-compound sentences so that the reader is easily able to follow the intended meaning.

Practice

Below are a few links to help you practice Simple, Compound, Complex and Compound-Complex Sentences

When done, why not try the Writing Activity, then have a partner check it.

- Simple Sentence

Simple Sentence Structure

Simple Past Sentence Structure (Talking)

- Compound Sentence

Add Conjunctions to Make Compound Sentences

Unjumble Compound Sentences

Compound Sentence Structure (Talking)

- Complex Sentence

Unjumble Complex Sentences

Complex Sentence Starters (Talking)

- Compound-Complex Sentence

Unjumble Compound-Complex Sentences

- All 4 Sentence Types

Mixed Sentence Types

Writing Activity: Travel Experience

Imagine you have recently returned from a trip to South Korea. Write a short narrative describing your experience using a variety of sentence types.

Simple Sentences

Begin your narrative with simple sentences to introduce key aspects of your trip. For example:

"I traveled to South Korea last month."
"The flight was long but comfortable."
"I arrived in Seoul in the afternoon."

Compound Sentences

"I visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, and I was amazed by its grandeur."
"We explored the bustling streets of Myeongdong, but we got lost in the maze of shops and stalls."

Complex Sentences

Incorporate complex sentences to provide background information or describe reasons for certain actions:

"Although I had never tried kimchi before, I decided to taste it at a local restaurant."
"After learning about the history of the Joseon Dynasty, I was eager to visit the Changdeokgung Palace."

Compound-Complex Sentences

Conclude your narrative with compound-complex sentences to reflect on your overall experience and express any mixed feelings or outcomes:

"Despite the language barrier, I made new friends during my trip, but saying goodbye was bittersweet."
"Although I encountered challenges along the way, such as navigating public transportation, the memories I made in South Korea will stay with me forever."