Sentence Structure

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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 simple sentences joined by a coordinator (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 an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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What is a compound-complex sentence?

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A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we enjoyed it.'

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What are the FANBOYS?

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FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: 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 sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction. Example: 'Because I was tired...'

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence and contains a subject and a verb. Example: 'I went to the store.'

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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 'because,' 'although,' and 'if.'

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What is the purpose of punctuation in compound sentences?

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Punctuation, such as commas, is used to separate independent clauses in compound sentences. Example: 'I wanted to go, but I was too tired.'

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How do you identify a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence can be identified by the presence of a dependent clause and an independent clause. Look for subordinating conjunctions.