Sentence Structure

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What is a Simple Sentence?

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A Simple Sentence contains one independent clause, which has a subject and a verb, and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'The cat sleeps.'

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What is a Compound Sentence?

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A Compound Sentence contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon. 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. The dependent clause cannot stand alone. 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 contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we enjoyed it.'

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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 and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'She loves to read.'

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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 loves to read.'

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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 (FANBOYS).

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What is a Subject in a Sentence?

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The Subject is the part of the sentence that tells who or what the sentence is about. Example: 'The dog barks.' (The dog is the subject.)

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What is a Verb in a Sentence?

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A Verb is a word that expresses an action or a state of being. Example: 'run,' 'is,' 'jump.'

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What is an Object in a Sentence?

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An Object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. Example: 'She kicked the ball.' (The ball is the object.)