Simple, Compound, & 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 dog barks.'

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a 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 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 has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we enjoyed it.'

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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 has 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 cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause. Example: 'Because she loves to read.'

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What is a conjunction?

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A conjunction is a word that connects clauses or sentences. Common conjunctions include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

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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 or contrast.

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How can you identify a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence can be identified by the presence of two or more independent clauses connected by a conjunction.

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What punctuation is used to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence?

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A comma is used before the conjunction to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence.