Compound & Complex Sentences

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. The seven coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

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What punctuation is used before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence?

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A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction when it connects two independent clauses.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

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How can you identify a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence can be identified by the presence of a dependent clause, which often begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, since, although).

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What is the purpose of using commas in complex sentences?

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Commas are used in complex sentences to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause, especially when the dependent clause comes first.

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What is the difference between a compound sentence and a complex sentence?

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A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses, while a complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that introduces a dependent clause and shows the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.