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 dog barks.'

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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 (FANBOYS). 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 FANBOYS?

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FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

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How do you identify a compound sentence?

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

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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; it depends on an independent clause to provide meaning. Example: 'Because she loves to read.'

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

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A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction when joining two independent clauses.

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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 one or more dependent clauses. Example: 'Although I like to read, I don't have much time, and I prefer to watch movies.'

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What is the purpose of using a semicolon in sentences?

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A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. Example: 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.'