Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'Molly went to the store.'

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What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction. Example: 'Sally and Paula went to the store, and Jimmy went to the park.'

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What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Molly went to the store when Jimmy went to the library.'

Front

Identify the type of sentence: 'Molly and Jimmy went to the store.'

Back

Simple

Front

Identify the type of sentence: 'Although Molly went to the store, Jimmy went to the library.'

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Complex

Front

Identify the type of sentence: 'Paula went to the bank because Jimmy had already gone to the store.'

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Complex

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb. Example: 'Jimmy went to the park.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction. Example: 'when Jimmy went to the library.'

Front

What conjunctions are commonly used in compound sentences?

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Common conjunctions include 'and', 'but', and 'or'. Example: 'I want to go to the park, but it is raining.'

Front

What is the purpose of using complex sentences?

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Complex sentences allow writers to show relationships between ideas, such as cause and effect or contrast.