Sentence Types: Simple, Compound, Complex, & Compound-Complex

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause that contains a subject and a predicate. It expresses a complete thought.

Front

Provide an example of a simple sentence.

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Blake took several incredible panoramic photographs of the sweeping view from the top of Table Mountain.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon.

Front

Provide an example of a compound sentence.

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

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, which cannot stand alone.

Front

Provide an example of a complex sentence.

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The maple leaf, which is Canada's national emblem, has been associated with the country since the 1700s.

Front

What is a compound-complex sentence?

Back

A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Front

Provide an example of a compound-complex sentence.

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After a parrotfish eats algae-covered coral, the coral travels through the fish's digestive system, and then it is deposited in the reef as white coral sand.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.