Editing Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences & More

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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 or more 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 one 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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When do you use a comma with FANBOYS?

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You use a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.

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What is an AAAWWUBBIS word?

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AAAWWUBBIS stands for: Although, After, As, When, While, Until, Because, If, Since. These words introduce dependent clauses.

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How do you punctuate a complex sentence that starts with an AAAWWUBBIS word?

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Place a comma after the dependent clause and before the independent clause.

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

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The comma separates the independent clauses when they are joined by a coordinating conjunction.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence and contains a subject and a verb.