Simple, Compound, Complex Sentences

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence contains one independent clause and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'The dog barks.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon. Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Front

What are FANBOYS?

Back

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

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb. Example: 'She loves to read.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence; it does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Because she loves to read.'

Front

How do you identify a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence can be identified by the presence of two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

Front

What punctuation is used to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence?

Back

A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction, or a semicolon can be used without a conjunction.

Front

What is the difference between a simple and a compound sentence?

Back

A simple sentence has one independent clause, while a compound sentence has two or more independent clauses.

Front

Can a complex sentence be a compound sentence?

Back

No, a complex sentence contains a dependent clause, while a compound sentence contains only independent clauses.