Practice: Simple and Compound 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 (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 coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses. The main coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

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How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is punctuated with a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I wanted pizza, but they wanted sushi.'

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What is the purpose of a semi-colon?

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A semi-colon is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list. Example: 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.'

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When should you use a comma in a compound sentence?

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Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence to separate the two independent clauses. Example: 'She likes tea, and he likes coffee.'

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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. Example: 'She enjoys reading.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction. Example: 'Although she was tired, she finished her homework.'

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include: although, because, since, unless.

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How do you correct a run-on sentence?

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A run-on sentence can be corrected by adding a period, a semi-colon, or a coordinating conjunction with a comma. Example: 'I love to read. I have many books.'