English grammar explained in plain language simple enough to be understood.
A compound sentence is formed by joining two simple sentences together. Each independent clause is a simple sentence, We join the two simple sentences with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. There are seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but,… Read more533. Always Use a Comma in a Compound Sentence
An independent clause is a group of words with a subject doing something. In an independent clause, only one thing is happening. A simple sentence is one independent clause. A compound sentence is two independent clauses joined together. We can… Read more534. What is an Independent Clause?
Section A: Decide if each of these is a compound sentence or not. Write Yes or No.1. Today is Friday.2. I play tennis on Tuesday and Wednesday.3. The dog ran across the street and brought back a newspaper. 4. It… Read more535. Practice with Compound Sentences
A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb. An independent clause tells about one thing happening. We learned last week that one independent clause makes a simple sentence. Two independent clauses joined by a… Read more536. Dependent and Independent Clauses
A subordinate clause is the same thing as a dependent clause. We call it a subordinate clause because it is not as important as the independent clause. We call it a dependent clause because it is dependent on the independent… Read more537. A Subordinate Clause is a Dependent Clause
A complex sentence is made up of a subordinate clause connected to an independent clause. Sometimes the subordinate clause comes first in the sentence. Then the sentence begins with a subordinating conjunction. Here are some examples of a complex sentence… Read more538. The Complex Sentence
A complex sentence combines an independent clause with a dependent clause. It doesn’t really matter if you begin with the independent clause or the dependent clause. Both ways make a correct sentence. However, whichever clause you use first is usually… Read more539. More About the Complex Sentence
Section A: Find the subordinating conjunction in each sentence below.1. If you are in the area, I hope you will visit.2. I found a penny while I was mowing the lawn.3. The dog is whining because he wants to go… Read more540. Practice with Complex Sentences
A coordinating conjunction connects two independent clauses. Those two independent clauses make a compound sentence. There are seven coordinating conjunctions, which are also known as the FANBOYS. We always put a comma in front of the coordinating conjunction. Look at… Read more541. Coordinating Conjunctions vs. Subordinating Conjunctions
Whenever you start a sentence with a subordinating conjunction, you are beginning with a subordinate clause. A subordinate clause cannot be a sentence by itself. A subordinate clause must always have an independent clause attached to it. Sometimes we start… Read more542. Avoid Fragments When using Subordinating Conjunctions