Compound and Complex Sentences

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least 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 is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.'

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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 loves to read.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Because she loves to read.'

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What is a sentence fragment?

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A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. It is missing either a subject or a verb. Example: 'When we went to the store.'

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What is a run-on sentence?

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A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Example: 'I love to read I have many books.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal. The main coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects an independent clause with a dependent clause. Examples include because, although, since, and when.

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How do you correct a run-on sentence?

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You can correct a run-on sentence by adding a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I love to read. I have many books.'

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What is the purpose of using complex sentences?

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Complex sentences allow writers to show relationships between ideas, such as cause and effect or contrast. They add depth to writing.