Complex Sentences and Sentence Structure - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Complex Sentences and sentence-structure material in the notes.

Complex Sentence

A sentence composed of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, connected by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.

Independent Clause

A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence and expresses a complete thought.

Dependent Clause

A clause that cannot stand alone and must be connected to an independent clause; introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.

Subordinating Conjunction

A word that begins a dependent clause and links it to an independent clause (e.g., because, when, if, since).

Relative Pronoun

A pronoun that introduces a dependent clause about a noun (e.g., that, which, who, whom, whose).

Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS)

Seven conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) used to join two independent clauses in a compound sentence.

Semicolon

A punctuation mark that joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Compound Sentence

A sentence containing two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

Simple Sentence

A sentence consisting of a single independent clause (one subject and predicate) that expresses a complete thought.

Compound-Complex Sentence

A sentence that has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

Sentence Fragment

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but lacking a subject or a verb, or not forming a complete thought; cannot stand alone.

Run-on Sentence

Two or more independent clauses joined improperly without proper punctuation or conjunction.

Comma Splice

A type of run-on where two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

Parallel Structure

Using the same grammatical form in a series or list to create balance and rhythm.

Conjunctive Adverb

A transition word (e.g., however, therefore) used to join independent clauses, often with a semicolon and comma.

Main Clause

Another term for an independent clause; the clause that can stand alone.

Clause

A group of words containing a subject and a predicate; forms part of a sentence.

Subordinating Conjunctions (Examples)

Examples include after, although, as, because, before, how, if, once, since, than, that, though, till, until, when, where, whether, while.

Relative Pronouns (Examples)

Examples include that, which, who, whom, whose.

Sentence Variety

Using simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to control rhythm, emphasis, and clarity in writing.