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 (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 is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, I 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. It has 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 is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Because she enjoys reading.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal. The main coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

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What punctuation is used before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence?

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

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What is the purpose of a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause and shows the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause. Examples include: although, because, since, unless.

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What is the difference between a compound and a complex sentence?

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A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses, while a complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

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What is an example of a compound sentence?

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Example: 'I wanted to go to the park, and my brother wanted to go to the mall.'

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What is an example of a complex sentence?

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Example: 'Although it was late, we decided to watch another movie.'