Punctuating Compound and Complex Sentences

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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).

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

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

Front

What punctuation is used to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence?

Back

A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a complex sentence?

Back

A comma is often used to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause, especially when the dependent clause comes first.

Front

Identify the error in the sentence: 'Fall break is just around the corner, we're so excited.'

Back

The sentence is a run-on sentence; it should be separated into two sentences or connected with a coordinating conjunction.

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Is the following sentence correct? 'If you don't clean your room, you won't go to the party.'

Back

Yes, this sentence is correct as it properly uses a dependent clause followed by an independent clause.

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Identify the error in the sentence: 'Some people get hangry, when they haven't eaten lunch.'

Back

The comma before 'when' is unnecessary because the dependent clause follows the independent clause.

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What is the correct punctuation for the sentence: 'As the hurricane moved toward Florida everyone scurried to flee its path.'

Back

A comma should be placed after 'Florida' to separate the introductory dependent clause from the main clause.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal in structure (e.g., for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).