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 independent clauses joined by a coordinating 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 subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include 'because', 'although', and 'before'.

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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 enjoys reading.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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

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Where do you place a comma in a compound sentence?

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A comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go outside, but it was too cold.'

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What is the purpose of a comma in a complex sentence?

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A comma is often used after the dependent clause when it comes before the independent clause. Example: 'If it rains, we will stay inside.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses. The main coordinating conjunctions are 'for', 'and', 'nor', 'but', 'or', 'yet', and 'so'.

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What is the difference between a simple and a compound sentence?

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A simple sentence has one independent clause, while a compound sentence has two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction.