Sentence Types: Simple, Compound, Complex, & Compound-Complex

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'The dog barks.'

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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What is a compound-complex sentence?

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A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we enjoyed it.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Because I was tired.'

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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. Example: 'I went to the store.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses. The main coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

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

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

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What is the purpose of a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence is used to show the relationship between ideas, often indicating cause, time, or condition.

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How can you identify a compound-complex sentence?

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A compound-complex sentence can be identified by finding at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.