Compound & Complex Sentences

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal in structure. 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 is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

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How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

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In a compound sentence, a comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction that joins the independent clauses.

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How do you punctuate a complex sentence?

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In a complex sentence, if the dependent clause comes first, it is followed by a comma before the independent clause. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.

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What is the purpose of using commas in sentences?

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Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, and to clarify meaning.

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

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A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses, while a complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

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What is an example of a compound sentence?

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I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.