Lesson 295

Parts of the Sentence - Compound & Complex Sentences

A simple sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought, and it must have a subject and a verb.  A complex sentence is made up of an independent clauseA clause is a group of words having a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.
Source: Lesson 246 and a dependent clauseA clause is a group of words having a subject and a verb. A dependent clause must be attached to the independent clause to make sense. It is always used as some part of speech. A dependent clause can be an adjective, adverb, or noun. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.  Source: Lesson 246.

A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses.  Commas separate the clauses of a compound sentence. (A short sentence joined by and is sometimes combined without a comma.)  A semicolon can take the place of the conjunctionA conjunction is a word that joins other words, phrases (groups of words), or clauses (groups of words with a subjects and verb).  Source: Lesson 76 and comma.  Only clauses closely related in thought should be joined to make a compound sentence.

Instructions: The following sentences are either a simple sentence, a compound sentence, a complex sentence, or a compound/complex sentence.  Identify the sentences telling what kind each is.

1. None of the other jurors asked me to change my mind.

2. Barbara and Jeanne whispered and giggled all night.

3. That he is my cousin cannot be denied.

4. The boy who is speaking is my brother, and he will be staying with us.

5. I know you don't like him, but that doesn't matter.