UNIT 1: Sentence Types & Grammar Rules

What is a simple sentence?

One independent clause. It may have compound subjects or verbs.

What is a compound sentence?

Two independent clauses joined by comma + FANBOYS or a semicolon.

What is a complex sentence?

One independent clause plus at least one dependent clause.

What is an independent clause?

A complete thought with a subject and verb; it can stand alone.

What is a dependent clause?

A subject + verb that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

What are the FANBOYS?

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

What punctuation joins independent clauses with FANBOYS?

A comma before the coordinating conjunction.

When does a dependent clause usually need a comma?

When it comes before the independent clause.

Can a simple sentence have a compound subject?

Yes. Example: Maya and Jordan studied.

Can a simple sentence have a compound verb?

Yes. Example: Maya studied and practiced.

What is a coordinating conjunction?

A conjunction that joins equal elements, such as two independent clauses.

What is a subordinating conjunction?

A word that makes a clause dependent, such as because or although.

Name three subordinating conjunctions.

Because, although, when.

What punctuation can join two independent clauses without FANBOYS?

A semicolon. Example: I studied; I passed.

What is a sentence fragment?

An incomplete sentence that lacks an independent clause.

What is a run-on sentence?

Two or more independent clauses joined incorrectly without proper punctuation.

Fix: "I studied I passed."

I studied, and I passed. OR I studied; I passed.

Fix: "Because I studied."

Because I studied, I passed.

Identify (Simple, Compound, Complex): "The dog barked loudly."

Simple: one independent clause.

Identify (Simple, Compound, Complex): "The dog barked, and the cat ran."

Compound: two independent clauses joined by comma + and.

Identify (Simple, Compound, Complex): "When the dog barked, the cat ran."

Complex: dependent clause + independent clause.

Identify: "The dog barked because it heard a noise."

Complex: independent clause + dependent clause.

Identify: "The dog barked and ran."

Simple: one independent clause with a compound verb.

Identify: "Maya and Jordan studied."

Simple: one independent clause with a compound subject.

Applied (Simple, Compound, Complex): "I wanted to go, but I was tired."

Compound: two complete thoughts joined by comma + but.

Applied (Simple, Compound, Complex): "Although I was tired, I studied."

Complex: dependent clause begins with "Although."

Applied (Simple, Compound, Complex): "I studied because I had a test."

Complex: independent clause + dependent clause beginning with "because."

Applied: "Maya studied, and Jordan practiced."

Compound: two independent clauses joined by comma + and.

Applied: "Maya studied and practiced."

Simple: one independent clause with a compound verb.

Quick test: "I finished my work; I went home."

(COMPOUND, COMPLEX, SIMPLE)

Compound: two independent clauses joined by a semicolon.