Sentence Structure

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence contains one independent clause and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'The dog barks.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon. Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.'

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, I went for a walk.'

Front

What is a compound-complex sentence?

Back

A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, I went for a walk, and my friend stayed home.'

Front

What are the FANBOYS?

Back

FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Front

How many main clauses must a compound sentence have?

Back

At least 2.

Front

What must all compound sentences contain?

Back

A comma and a FANBOY or a semicolon.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb. Example: 'She runs every day.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence; it does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Because she was tired.'

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in compound sentences?

Back

Commas are used to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence, especially when a coordinating conjunction is present.