sentence structure

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause with no dependent clauses. It contains a subject and a predicate. Example: 'The dog barks.'

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon. 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 one 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 compound-complex sentence?

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

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What does the acronym FANBOYS represent?

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FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So, which are coordinating conjunctions used to connect independent clauses.

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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 contains a subject and a verb. Example: 'She loves to read.'

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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. It contains a subject and a verb but begins with a subordinating conjunction. Example: 'Because she loves to read.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses. The main coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction connects an independent clause with a dependent clause. Examples include because, although, since, and while.

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What is the difference between a compound and a complex sentence?

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A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses, while a complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.