Compound and 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 (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 is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, I went for a walk.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. The seven 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 is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Because I was tired.'

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'I went to the store.'

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How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

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In a compound sentence, a comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction that joins the two independent clauses. Example: 'I wanted to go out, but it was too late.'

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How do you punctuate a complex sentence?

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In a complex sentence, if the dependent clause comes first, it is followed by a comma. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed. Example: 'Although it was late, I finished my homework.'

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What is a run-on sentence?

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A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunctions. Example: 'I love to read I have many books.'

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What is a comma splice?

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A comma splice is a grammatical error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. Example: 'I love to read, I have many books.'

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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, contrast, or condition. They add depth and detail to writing.