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: 'The cat sleeps.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

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

Front

What does FANBOYS stand for?

Back

FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Front

Identify the type of sentence: 'Sally went to the store, library, and bank.'

Back

Simple

Front

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

Back

Compound

Front

Identify the type of sentence: 'Molly went to the store and the library, but Jimmy stayed home.'

Back

Compound

Front

Identify the type of sentence: 'Jimmy was mad because Paula went to the store before coming home.'

Back

Complex

Front

What is the main characteristic of a simple sentence?

Back

It has only one independent clause and no dependent clauses.

Front

What is the main characteristic of a compound sentence?

Back

It has two or more independent clauses connected by a conjunction.