Compound & Complex Sentences

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What is a compound sentence?

Back

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.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Common examples include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

What punctuation is used before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence?

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A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction when it connects two independent clauses.

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How do you punctuate a complex sentence?

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If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma before the independent clause. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.

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What is the purpose of using a semicolon in a compound sentence?

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A semicolon can be used to connect two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

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What is an example of a compound sentence?

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I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

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What is an example of a complex sentence?

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Although it was raining, I decided to go for a walk.

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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.