Simple, Compound, & Complex Sentences

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause that has a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought.

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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 or a semicolon.

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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.

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What is a dependent clause?

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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.

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What is an independent clause?

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

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What punctuation is used to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence?

Back

A comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or a semicolon.

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What is the formula for a complex sentence?

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The formula for a complex sentence is IC + DC or DC + IC.

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What is the formula for a compound sentence?

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The formula for a compound sentence is IC ; IC or IC, and IC.

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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 in structure (e.g., for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

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

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A simple sentence has one independent clause, while a compound sentence has two or more independent clauses.