Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses 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 independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). 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 walk.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction. Example: 'Because I was tired.'

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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. It has a subject and a verb. Example: 'She enjoys reading.'

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What are subordinating conjunctions?

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Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include 'because,' 'although,' and 'when.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses. The main coordinating conjunctions are 'for,' 'and,' 'nor,' 'but,' 'or,' 'yet,' and 'so.'

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What is a relative pronoun?

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Relative pronouns introduce dependent clauses and relate them to a noun. Examples include 'who,' 'whom,' 'whose,' 'which,' and 'that.'

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Can a compound sentence be formed with a dependent clause?

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No, a compound sentence must consist of two or more independent clauses.

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What is the purpose of a comma in a compound sentence?

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A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction to separate the independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go, but it was too late.'