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?

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A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). 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 punctuation is used to join independent clauses in a compound sentence?

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A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses in a compound sentence.

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What is the purpose of a semicolon in sentence structure?

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A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. Example: 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.'

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Identify the type of sentence: 'Molly went to the store and the library.'

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This is a simple sentence.

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Identify the type of sentence: 'Molly and Jimmy went to the store, but Jimmy stayed home.'

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This is a compound sentence.

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Identify the type of sentence: 'Sally went to the store when Jimmy went to the library.'

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This is a complex sentence.

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal. Examples include: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

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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 (e.g., because, since, when).