Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

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

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What is a compound sentence?

Back

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

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What is a complex sentence?

Back

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

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Identify the type of sentence: 'A caterpillar may be all green, or it may be red and yellow.'

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This is a compound sentence.

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Identify the type of sentence: 'Grace counts the hours until her party begins.'

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This is a complex sentence.

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Identify the type of sentence: 'The party could not begin until all the guests arrived.'

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This is a complex sentence.

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Identify the type of sentence: 'Some caterpillars have bumps all over their skin.'

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This is a simple sentence.

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Identify the type of sentence: 'Before I went hiking, I had to lace up my boots.'

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This is a complex sentence.

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What is a dependent clause?

Back

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.

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What is an independent clause?

Back

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