Simple, Compound, Complex, Compound-Complex Sentences

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

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

Front

Provide an example of a simple sentence.

Back

The trees grow tall and close together.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Front

Provide an example of a compound sentence.

Back

Trees in cloud forests are shorter, and they are deciduous.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, which cannot stand alone.

Front

Provide an example of a complex sentence.

Back

The rain forest is disappearing, because many of its plants and animals are disappearing too.

Front

What is a compound-complex sentence?

Back

A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Front

Provide an example of a compound-complex sentence.

Back

Although the rain forest is disappearing, many of its plants and animals are disappearing too, and conservation efforts are underway.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

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

Front

What role do subordinating conjunctions play in complex sentences?

Back

Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and show the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.