Sentence Structure

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

A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

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

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 hike, and we enjoyed it.'

Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect an independent clause with a dependent clause. Examples include 'because,' 'although,' and 'since.'

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.'

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

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses. The most common are 'for,' 'and,' 'nor,' 'but,' 'or,' 'yet,' and 'so.'

Punctuation helps clarify meaning and indicates pauses or stops in sentences. It also separates ideas and elements within sentences.

A fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. Example: 'When we went to the store.'