Simple, Compound, & 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 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 (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 one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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Identify the structure: 'The cat slept on the mat.'

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Simple sentence.

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Identify the structure: 'I wanted to play outside, but it was too cold.'

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Compound sentence.

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Identify the structure: 'Because I was tired, I went to bed early.'

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Complex sentence.

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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 (e.g., because, although, since). Example: 'Although it was late...'

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence and contains a subject and a verb. Example: 'She enjoys reading.'

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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.