Combining Sentences and Sentence Types

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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 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 sentence and depends on an independent clause to provide meaning. Example: 'Because I was tired...'

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb. Example: 'I enjoy reading.'

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What punctuation is used to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence?

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A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence.

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What is a run-on sentence?

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A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Example: 'I love to read I have many books.'

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What is a sentence fragment?

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

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What is the purpose of using commas in sentences?

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Commas are used to separate items in a list, before conjunctions in compound sentences, and to set off introductory elements.