Sentence Structures

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

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

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

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.'

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause. Example: 'Because she loves to read.'

A conjunction is a word that connects clauses or sentences. Common conjunctions include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

Punctuation helps clarify meaning and indicates pauses or stops in sentences. Examples include periods, commas, and question marks.

A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Example: 'Although I like to swim, I don't go often, and my brother prefers to play soccer.'

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Example: 'I love to read I have many books.'

A fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought and is not a complete sentence. Example: 'Because I was tired.'