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 cat sleeps.'

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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.'

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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 does FANBOYS stand for?

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FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

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Identify a key feature of a simple sentence.

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A simple sentence has only one independent clause and no dependent clauses.

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Identify a key feature of a compound sentence.

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A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction.

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Identify a key feature of a complex sentence.

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

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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.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence; it depends on an independent clause to provide meaning.

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Provide an example of a compound sentence.

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Example: 'I wanted to go to the movies, but I had too much homework.'