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: 'Shelly has a lot of friends at school.'

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What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. Example: 'I was running late, so I didn't finish my morning work.'

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was snowing outside, we still had to go to school.'

Front

Identify the structure: 'Until I eat my veggies, I cannot eat dessert.'

Back

Complex (CX) - it has a dependent clause and an independent clause.

Front

Identify the structure: 'Would you rather go to Florida for vacation or North Carolina?'

Back

Simple (S) - it has one independent clause.

Front

Identify the structure: 'Shelly likes to go to school because she has a lot of friends.'

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Complex (CX) - it has a dependent clause and an independent clause.

Front

What is a conjunction?

Back

A conjunction is a word that connects clauses or sentences. Examples: 'and', 'but', 'or', 'because'.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. Example: 'I like 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: 'Although it was raining...'

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What is the purpose of using complex sentences?

Back

Complex sentences add variety and depth to writing by combining ideas and showing relationships between them.