Is the sentence simple, compound or complex?
Key Notes:
Simple Sentences
- Definition: A simple sentence has one independent clause and expresses a complete thought.
- Structure: Contains a subject and a predicate.
- Example: “The cat slept.” (Subject: The cat, Predicate: slept)
- Characteristics:
- No additional clauses.
- Can have compound subjects or predicates, but only one clause.
Compound Sentences
- Definition: A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.
- Structure: Each independent clause has its own subject and predicate.
- Example: “The cat slept, and the dog barked.” (Independent Clauses: The cat slept, The dog barked)
- Coordinating Conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So (FANBOYS)
- Characteristics:
- Clauses are joined by conjunctions or semicolons.
- Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Complex Sentences
- Definition: A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
- Structure: The dependent clause cannot stand alone and provides additional information to the independent clause.
- Example: “The cat slept because it was tired.” (Independent Clause: The cat slept, Dependent Clause: because it was tired)
- Dependent Clauses: Introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, if, when, etc.
- Characteristics:
- The dependent clause adds detail to the main idea.
- The sentence can be broken into a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
Tips for Identifying Sentences
- Look for Conjunctions: Check if there are coordinating conjunctions (for compound sentences) or subordinating conjunctions (for complex sentences).
- Identify Clauses: Determine if the sentence has one (simple), two (compound), or more (complex) clauses.
- Check Independence: See if clauses can stand alone as complete sentences (independent) or need additional clauses to make sense (dependent).
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