Combining Sentences: Complex and Simple Structures

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb, expressing 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 independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. 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 an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb. Example: 'She enjoys reading.'

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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 she was tired.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses. The most common are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS).

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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 do you combine two simple sentences into a compound sentence?

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Use a coordinating conjunction to join the two independent clauses. Example: 'I like tea, and she likes coffee.'

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How do you combine a simple sentence with a dependent clause?

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Place the dependent clause before or after the independent clause. Example: 'Although it was cold, we went outside.'

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What is the purpose of combining sentences?

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Combining sentences helps to create more complex and varied sentence structures, improving writing style and clarity.