Editing Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences & More

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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 an 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 appositive?

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An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it. Example: 'My brother, a talented musician, plays the guitar.'

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How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

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Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction that joins the two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to play outside, but it was too cold.'

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

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A comma is used to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause when the dependent clause comes first. Example: 'If it rains, we will stay inside.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, if). Example: 'Because I was tired...'

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include although, because, since, and while.

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

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A simple sentence has one independent clause, while a compound sentence has two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction.