This document defines and provides examples of simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences. A simple sentence contains one subject and verb and expresses a single thought. A compound sentence uses coordinating conjunctions to join two independent clauses. A complex sentence has an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses introduced by a subordinating conjunction. A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause.

1. COMPOUND-COMPLEX
SENTENCES
English I
Beaulieu
Hall-Dale Middle/High School
Saturday, August 5, 14

2. SIMPLE SENTENCES
contains a subject and verb
expresses a single complete thought
A simple sentence is a single independent clause.
The cat crept through the dark house.
I ran for cover when it started raining.
examples:
Saturday, August 5, 14

3. COMPOUND SENTENCES
contains two independent clauses
uses coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) to join the
2 clauses
example:
The cat was unsuccessful in his attempt to
catch the mouse, and the mouse was equally as
unlucky in his attempt to get the cheese.
Saturday, August 5, 14

4. COMPLEX SENTENCES
an independent clause joined by one or
more dependent clauses
a subordinating conjunction begins the dependent
clauses
a dependent clause does not make sense on it’s own
example:
After he gave it some thought, the mouse
decided to wait until later for his trek.
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5. COMPOUND-COMPLEX
SENTENCES
has at least 2 independent clauses and at least 1
dependent clause
example:
After the two adversaries had spent years
playing this “cat and mouse” game, they were
joined by their children, and the fun continued.
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6. REMEMBER!
Coordinating Conjunctions join Independent Clauses!
FANBOYS!
Subordinating Conjunctions introduce
Dependent Clauses!
Independent Clauses can stand on their own!
Dependent Clauses need help!
Saturday, August 5, 14