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 (F.A.N.B.O.Y.S). 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 coordinating conjunctions?

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Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses. The main ones are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (F.A.N.B.O.Y.S).

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What are subordinating conjunctions?

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Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent clause. Examples include 'because', 'although', 'if', and 'when'.

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What is a dependent clause?

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

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence and contains a subject and a verb. Example: 'I went to the store.'

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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 punctuation is used in compound sentences?

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A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction when connecting two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to eat, but I was not hungry.'

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Where does the comma go in a complex sentence?

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In a complex sentence, a comma is used before the independent clause if the dependent clause comes first. Example: 'If it rains, we will stay inside.'