Sentence Structures and Comma Usage

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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, we went for a walk.'

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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. Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining.'

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence is a sentence that contains only one independent clause and no dependent clauses. Example: 'The dog barked.'

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What is a compound-complex sentence?

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A compound-complex sentence is a sentence that has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we saw a rainbow.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. The most common coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so (FANBOYS).

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Because she was tired.'

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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. Example: 'She went to the store.'

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How do you identify a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence can be identified by the presence of two or more independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'She likes to read, and she also enjoys writing.'

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

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A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence. Example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining.'

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What is the purpose of commas in a complex sentence?

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Commas are used in complex sentences to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause, especially when the dependent clause comes first. Example: 'When the bell rings, the students leave the classroom.'