Simple, Compound, & Complex Sentences

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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 conjunction. 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 an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb. Example: 'She enjoys reading.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause. Example: 'Because she was tired.'

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Where do you place a comma in a compound sentence?

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A comma is placed before the conjunction that joins the two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go to the park, but it was closed.'

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Where do you place a comma in a complex sentence?

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A comma is placed after the dependent clause if it comes first. Example: 'If it rains, we will stay inside.'

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What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

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A comma is used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, separate items in a list, or clarify meaning.

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What is a conjunction?

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A conjunction is a word that connects clauses or sentences. Common conjunctions include 'and', 'but', and 'or.'

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

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