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 (e.g., and, but, or).

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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 an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought.

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Common examples include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include 'because', 'although', and 'since'.

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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 two 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.

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What is the purpose of using compound sentences?

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Compound sentences are used to connect related ideas and show the relationship between them.

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What is the purpose of using complex sentences?

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Complex sentences are used to show the relationship between ideas, particularly when one idea depends on another.