Compound and Complex Sentences

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or).

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, often introduced by a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, unless).

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship between the two (e.g., although, because, unless).

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How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is punctuated with a comma before the coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.

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How do you punctuate a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence is punctuated with a comma after the dependent clause if it comes first, but no comma is needed if the independent clause comes first.

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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 because it expresses a complete thought.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought.

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Give an example of a compound sentence.

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I wanted to go to the party, but I had too much homework.

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Give an example of a complex sentence.

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Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.

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What is the role of a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance (e.g., and, but, or).