Mastering Sentence Types: Compound vs. Complex Sentences

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, structures, and connectors associated with compound and complex sentences.

Compound Sentence

A sentence formed by combining two or more complete thoughts (independent clauses) using special connectors called coordinating conjunctions.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Special connectors used to link two or more complete thoughts (independent clauses) in a compound sentence.

FANBOYS

A mnemonic representing the key coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So.

Complex Sentence

A sentence where one complete thought (independent clause) is joined with a partial thought (dependent clause) by a subordinator word (subordinating conjunction).

Independent Clause

A complete thought within a sentence that can stand on its own.

Dependent Clause

A partial thought joined to an independent clause by a subordinator word.

Subordinating Conjunction (Subordinator)

A connecting word used to join an independent clause with a dependent clause, conveying relationships such as reason, time, contrast, or introduction.

Because

A subordinating conjunction used to indicate reason.

Even Though

A subordinating conjunction used to indicate contrast.

While

A subordinating conjunction used to indicate time or contrast.

Since

A subordinating conjunction used to indicate time or reason.

Until

A subordinating conjunction used to indicate time.

That

A subordinating conjunction used as an introducer.