3.4 Simple and Compound Sentences

A simple sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'The cat sleeps.'

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. Example: 'I wanted to go to the concert, but my parents wouldn't let me.'

A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Examples include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

Simple

Compound

or

or

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought. Example: 'She runs fast.'

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Because she was tired.'

A comma is used before the conjunction in a compound sentence.