Sentence Structure

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence contains a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought. Example: 'The dog barks.'

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction 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. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a hike.'

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What is a compound-complex sentence?

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A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a hike, 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, containing a subject and a predicate. Example: 'She loves to read.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause. Example: 'Because she loves to read.'

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What is a conjunction?

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A conjunction is a word that connects clauses or sentences. Common conjunctions include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

Front

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

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A comma is used before the conjunction, or a semicolon can be used to separate the clauses.

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What is the purpose of a semicolon in sentence structure?

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A semicolon connects closely related independent clauses without using a conjunction. Example: 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.'

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

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A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses, while a complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.