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 (FANBOYS). 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 are coordinating conjunctions?

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Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. The main coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, 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 a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. 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 contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'I went to the store.'

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Where does the comma go in a compound sentence?

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The comma goes before the coordinating conjunction that joins the two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go, but I was too tired.'

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

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A comma is often used to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause, especially when the dependent clause comes first. Example: 'If it rains, we will stay inside.'

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What is an example of a compound sentence?

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Example: 'She loves to read, and he loves to write.'

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What is an example of a complex sentence?

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Example: 'Although she was tired, she finished her homework.'