Sentence Structure

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause that contains a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, which adds additional information.

Front

Identify the structure: 'When Germaine saw Keisha, it was love at first sight.'

Back

This is a complex sentence because it contains a dependent clause ('When Germaine saw Keisha') and an independent clause ('it was love at first sight').

Front

Identify the structure: 'William Shakespeare wrote plays and poetry.'

Back

This is a simple sentence as it contains only one independent clause.

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Identify the structure: 'A live performance of The Nutcracker or Swan Lake is always a treat for ballet lovers.'

Back

This is a simple sentence as it contains only one independent clause.

Front

Identify the structure: 'Because she couldn't swim a stroke, Vick didn't enjoy boating or a water-related recreation.'

Back

This is a complex sentence because it contains a dependent clause ('Because she couldn't swim a stroke') and an independent clause ('Vick didn't enjoy boating or a water-related recreation').

Front

Identify the structure: 'Carl felt much better when his diet improved.'

Back

This is a complex sentence because it contains a dependent clause ('when his diet improved') and an independent clause ('Carl felt much better').

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a predicate.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause to provide meaning.

Front

What is the purpose of using complex sentences?

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Complex sentences are used to add depth and detail to writing by combining ideas and showing relationships between them.