Sentence Structure

A simple sentence contains one independent clause and expresses a complete thought.

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb.

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence; it does not express a complete thought.

A comma is used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect.

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words.

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'.