Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence contains one independent clause with a subject and a verb, expressing a complete thought. Example: 'The dog barks.'

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence contains two or more 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 FANBOYS?

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FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

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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 late.'

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'I finished my homework.'

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What is the purpose of a dependent marker word?

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Dependent marker words signal the beginning of a dependent clause, indicating that the clause cannot stand alone. Examples include 'because,' 'although,' and 'when.'

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Identify a complex sentence: 'You need to take a shower before you go to bed.'

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This is a complex sentence because it contains an independent clause ('You need to take a shower') and a dependent clause ('before you go to bed').

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What is the difference between a compound and a complex sentence?

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A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses, while a complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

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What is an example of a compound sentence?

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Example: 'I wanted to play outside, but it was too cold.' This sentence has two independent clauses joined by 'but.'