Sentence Structure Guide

Independent Clause: A group of words that contain a subject, verb, and complete thought

Dependent Clause: A group of words that contain a subject, verb, but is not a complete thought. Dependent clauses often start with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.

Simple Sentences: Contain 1 independent clause

Example: Sarah walked Stella.

Compound Sentences: Contain 2+ independent clauses joined by a semi-colon or a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).

Examples: I like tacos, and Bailey likes pizza.

Kaley likes tacos; I like them too

Complex Sentences: Contain 1 independent clause and 1+ dependent clause(s).

Example: I rode the bus because I did not want to walk.

Compound-Complex Sentences: Contain 2 + independent clauses and 1 + dependent clause(s).

Example: Courtney wanted ice cream, but she did not buy it because it is not healthy. 

Common Subordinating Conjunctions & Relative Pronouns: after, although, because, before, even though, if, since, though, unless, until, when, whenever, whether, while, that, where, which

Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So