Sentence structure

English H 9

Clause

A group of words containing a subject and a predicate. Every complete sentence has at least 1.

Independent clause

Can stand alone as a complete sentence. Contains a subject and a verb. Expresses a complete thought.

FANBOYS!!(coordinating conjunctions)

for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

Dependent clauses

Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Contains a subject and verb. Begins with a subordinating conjunction

Common subordinating conjunctions

after, although, because, before, if, since, unless, when, while

Simple sentences

Contains 1 independent clause. No dependent clauses.

Compound sentences

2 or more independent clauses. Connected by a coordinating cunjunction or a semicolon ;

Complex sentences

1 independent clause, 1 or more dependent clauses