Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

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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 cat sleeps.'

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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. 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 are coordinating conjunctions?

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Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses. The acronym F.A.N.B.O.Y.S stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

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What are subordinating conjunctions?

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Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent clause. Examples include 'although', 'because', and 'unless'.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction. Example: 'Because I was tired...'

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. Example: 'I went to the store.'

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How do you punctuate a complex sentence?

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When a complex sentence begins with a dependent clause, a comma is used before the independent clause. Example: 'Although it was late, I decided to call her.'

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What is the purpose of a comma in a complex sentence?

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A comma is used to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause when the dependent clause comes first.

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Identify the coordinating conjunction in this sentence: 'I wanted to play outside, but it was too cold.'

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The coordinating conjunction is 'but'.