Simple, Compound, Complex, and 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. 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 a compound-complex sentence?

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A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we enjoyed it.'

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Example: 'Although, because, since.'

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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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Where does the comma go in a compound sentence?

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A comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

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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. It has a subject and a verb. Example: 'She loves to read.'

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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 loves to read.'

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What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

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A comma is used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.