Compound and Complex Sentences

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete idea.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete idea.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, such as 'although', 'because', or 'even though'.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or independent clauses, such as 'and', 'but', or 'or'.

Front

Give an example of a compound sentence.

Back

I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

Front

Give an example of a complex sentence.

Back

Although it was raining, we decided to go for a hike.

Front

What is the purpose of using a compound sentence?

Back

The purpose of using a compound sentence is to connect related ideas and show the relationship between them.

Front

What is the purpose of using a complex sentence?

Back

The purpose of using a complex sentence is to show the relationship between a dependent clause and an independent clause.