Sentence Structure 1
Subordinate Conjunction
These are words that join an independent clause with a dependent clause to create a complex sentence. Some examples are: after, although, as, because, before, if, since, that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, whether, while.
Coordinate Conjunction
These are words that join sentences together: FANBOYS - For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Clause
A group of words with a subject and a verb
Phrase
A group of words with a subject or predicate; not a complete sentence
Simple Sentence
A sentence consisting of one independent clause and no dependent clause.
Complex Sentence
A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. It will include a subordinate conjunction.
Compound Sentence
A sentence with two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinate conjunction or a semicolon(;).
Complex Sentence Example
Being alone can be scary unless you keep yourself busy.
Complex Sentence Example
Crossing the street is dangerous if you don't look both ways before you cross.
Dependent Clause
Does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence, even though it has a subject and a verb.
Independent Clause
Expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. Has both a subject and a verb.
Compound Sentence Example
I got in trouble, so I can't go to the party.
Simple Sentence example
Keith, Carrie, and Kyle bought donuts and ate them down by the river.
Simple Sentence example
Mr. Morton, the best reading teacher in the world, taught me sentence structure.
Complex Sentence Example
When I get home from school, I'm going to take a nap.