Mastering Sentence Structures

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What is a simple sentence?

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A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb, and it expresses a complete thought. Example: 'The cat slept on the windowsill.'

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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: 'He quickly ate his dinner, and then he went to the gym.'

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, he walked to the store.'

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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 late, he decided to go out, and he ended up missing the last bus.'

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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 sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., although, because, since). Example: 'Although it was raining.'

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought. Example: 'She loves coffee.'

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How do you form a compound sentence?

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To form a compound sentence, join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I finished my homework, so I went to bed.'

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What is the purpose of using a semicolon?

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A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. Example: 'I like coffee; he prefers tea.'

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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, unless.