Is the sentence simple, compound, complex or compound-complex?

Keynotes

1. Simple Sentence

• Definition: A sentence with one independent clause and no dependent clause.
• Structure: Subject + Verb (may have compound subjects or verbs)
• Example:
  ✅ She plays the piano.

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2. Compound Sentence

• Definition: A sentence with two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So).
• Structure: Independent clause + [FANBOYS] + Independent clause
• Example:
  ✅ She plays the piano, and he sings.

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3. Complex Sentence

• Definition: A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
• Common Subordinating Conjunctions: because, although, since, when, while, if, unless, after, before
• Structure:
  • Dependent clause + , + Independent clause
  • OR Independent clause + Dependent clause
• Example:
  ✅ Although she was tired, she finished her homework.

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4. Compound-Complex Sentence

• Definition: A sentence with at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
• Structure: Mix of compound and complex structures.
• Example:
  ✅ Although she was tired, she finished her homework, and she went to bed early.

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✅ Tips to Identify Sentence Types

• Step 1: Count the number of independent clauses (complete thoughts).
• Step 2: Look for dependent clauses (incomplete thoughts that need more information).
• Step 3: Check for joining words:
  • FANBOYS = Compound
  • Subordinating conjunctions = Complex
  • Both = Compound-Complex