Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'The dog barks.'

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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.'

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Front

Identify the key feature of a compound sentence.

Back

A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses.

Front

Identify the key feature of a complex sentence.

Back

A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal. Examples include 'and', 'but', 'or'.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, since).

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence and expresses a complete thought.

Front

Provide an example of a compound sentence.

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Example: 'I wanted to play outside, but it was too cold.'

Front

Provide an example of a complex sentence.

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Example: 'Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.'