Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence is a sentence that contains only one independent clause. It has 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 is a sentence that contains at least 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 is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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Identify the main clause in a complex sentence.

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The main clause is the part of the complex sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence. Example: In 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk,' 'we went for a walk' is the main clause.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. Example: 'Because I was tired' is a dependent clause.

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. The main coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

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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, contrast, or condition. They add depth to writing.

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How can you identify a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence can be identified by looking for two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I like ice cream, and I like cake.'

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What is an example of a simple sentence?

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An example of a simple sentence is: 'The cat sleeps.' It has one subject and one verb.

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What is an example of a compound sentence?

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An example of a compound sentence is: 'I wanted to play outside, but it was too cold.' It has two independent clauses.