Types of Sentences (and Clauses)

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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 contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

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What is a dependent clause?

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

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What is a simple sentence?

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

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or).

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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.

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What is a compound-complex sentence?

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

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What is a subordinate conjunction?

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A subordinate conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause (e.g., because, although, while).

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What is the purpose of a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance (e.g., and, but, or).

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What is an example of a compound sentence?

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Example: I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

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What is an example of a complex sentence?

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Example: Although it was raining, I decided to go for a walk.