Simple, Compound and Complex 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 cat sleeps.'

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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 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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Identify the main clause in a complex sentence.

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The main clause is the part of the sentence that can stand alone as a complete thought. Example: In 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk,' 'we went for a walk' is the main clause.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (because, although, since, etc.). Example: 'Because it was raining' is a dependent clause.

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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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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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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

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How can you identify a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence can be identified by the presence of two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I wanted pizza, and my brother wanted pasta.'

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

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A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction to separate the independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go out, but it was too late.'

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What is the purpose of a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence is used to show the relationship between ideas, often indicating cause and effect, contrast, or condition.