Compound vs 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.

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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.

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What are independent clauses?

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Independent clauses are groups of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence because they express a complete thought.

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What are dependent clauses?

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Dependent clauses are groups of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because they do not express a complete thought.

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Examples include 'and', 'but', 'or', 'nor', 'for', 'so', and 'yet'.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include 'because', 'although', 'since', 'after', and 'before'.

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Give an example of a compound sentence.

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I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.

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Give an example of a complex sentence.

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Although it was raining, I decided to go for a walk.

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What is the purpose of a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence?

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The purpose of a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence is to link two independent clauses to show a relationship between them.

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What is the purpose of a subordinating conjunction in a complex sentence?

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The purpose of a subordinating conjunction in a complex sentence is to show the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.