Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex Sentences

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence has one independent clause that can stand alone as a complete thought.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence has two independent clauses connected by a conjunction or a semicolon.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.

Front

What is a compound-complex sentence?

Back

A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

Front

Example of a simple sentence.

Back

I like to read.

Front

Example of a compound sentence.

Back

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

Front

Example of a complex sentence.

Back

Although it was raining, I went for a walk.

Front

Example of a compound-complex sentence.

Back

Although it was raining, I went for a walk, and my friend stayed home.

Front

What connects independent clauses in a compound sentence?

Back

Conjunctions (like 'and', 'but', 'or') or a semicolon.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence.