Sentence Structures

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and no dependent clauses.

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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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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 or a semicolon.

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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 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.

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What are coordinating conjunctions?

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Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect two independent clauses; the most common are 'for', 'and', 'nor', 'but', 'or', 'yet', and 'so' (FANBOYS).

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What is the purpose of punctuation in compound sentences?

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Punctuation, such as commas and semicolons, is used in compound sentences to separate independent clauses.

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Can a simple sentence have compound elements?

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Yes, a simple sentence can have compound elements, such as compound subjects or compound predicates, but it still contains only one independent clause.

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What is an example of a complex sentence?

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An example of a complex sentence is: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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

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