Simple and Compound 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 coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses. The main coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Front

How do you correct a run-on sentence?

Back

You can correct a run-on sentence by separating it into two sentences, using a semicolon, or adding a coordinating conjunction.

Front

What is a comma splice?

Back

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma without a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I love to read, I have many books.'

Front

How can you combine two sentences using 'and'?

Back

You can combine two sentences by using 'and' to connect them. Example: 'I like ice cream. I like cake.' becomes 'I like ice cream and I like cake.'

Front

What is the purpose of a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought. Example: 'She enjoys painting.'

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Although she enjoys painting...'

Front

How do you separate a compound sentence into two simple sentences?

Back

You can separate a compound sentence by identifying the independent clauses and placing a period between them. Example: 'I wanted to go out, but it was raining.' becomes 'I wanted to go out. It was raining.'