Editing Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences & More

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence, or independent clause, contains a subject, a verb, and expresses a complete thought.

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

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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, often introduced by AAAWWUBBIS words (Although, After, As, When, While, Until, Because, If, Since).

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What are AAAWWUBBIS words?

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AAAWWUBBIS words are subordinating conjunctions that introduce dependent clauses: Although, After, As, When, While, Until, Because, If, Since.

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When do you use a semicolon?

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

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What is an appositive?

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An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides additional information about another noun. It is usually set off by commas.

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How do you punctuate a sentence with an appositive?

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You need two commas when the appositive is in the middle of the sentence, surrounding it.

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What is the purpose of a comma in a complex sentence?

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A comma is placed between the dependent clause and the independent clause to clarify the sentence structure.

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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 the difference between a dependent clause and an independent clause?

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An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot stand alone and depends on an independent clause.