Simple, Compound, Complex , and Compound-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 compound-complex sentence?

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A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk, and we enjoyed it.'

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Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'Although she was tired, she finished her homework.'

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The independent clause is 'she finished her homework.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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

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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 (e.g., although, because, since). Example: 'Because it was raining.'

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include although, because, since, and while.

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

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You can combine two simple sentences using a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I like ice cream, and I like cake.'

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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.