Types of Sentences and Clauses

These flashcards focus on the definitions and rules related to the different types of sentences and clauses.

Types of Sentences

Simple, Compound, Complex, Compound-Complex.

Simple Sentence

A sentence consisting of only one independent clause.

Compound Sentence

A sentence that contains two or more independent clauses, typically joined by a conjunction.

Complex Sentence

A sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Compound-Complex Sentence

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

Independent Clause

A full thought with a subject and a verb that can stand alone.

Dependent Clause

A clause that contains a subject and verb but cannot stand alone, usually beginning with a subordinate conjunction.

Subordinate Conjunction

A word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, making the dependent clause unable to stand alone.

Common Subordinate Conjunctions

Examples include because, when, after, if, since.

Punctuation in Complex Sentences

If the independent clause comes first, no punctuation is required; if the dependent clause comes first, a comma is required.

Punctuation Rule for 'Because'

Never place a comma before the word 'because'.

Dependent Clause Example

An illustration of a dependent clause: 'Since the dog started barking.'

Punctuation Importance

Punctuation indicates whether the independent or dependent clause is presenting the main idea.