Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'The dog barks.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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.'

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, I went for a walk.'

Front

What are coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. The acronym FANBOYS stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Front

Identify the sentence type: 'Sally went to the store, library, and bank.'

Back

Simple sentence.

Front

Identify the sentence type: 'Although Molly went to the store, Jimmy went to the library.'

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Complex sentence.

Front

Identify the sentence type: 'Molly went to the library; Jimmy went to the store.'

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Compound sentence.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

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.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction. Example: 'Because she loves to read.'

Front

Identify the sentence type: 'Paula went to the bank because Jimmy had already gone to the store.'

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Complex sentence.