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.