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, since).

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Common coordinating conjunctions include 'for', 'and', 'nor', 'but', 'or', 'yet', and 'so' (FANBOYS).

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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. Examples include 'although', 'because', 'since', and 'when'.

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How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

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In a compound sentence, a comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction when joining two independent clauses.

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How do you punctuate a complex sentence?

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In a complex sentence, a comma is used after the dependent clause if it comes before the independent clause.

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Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.'

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The independent clause is 'we decided to go for a walk.'

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Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'Since I had already eaten, I wasn't hungry.'

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The dependent clause is 'Since I had already eaten.'

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

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What is an example of a complex sentence?

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An example of a complex sentence is: 'When the bell rang, the students rushed out of the classroom.'