English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
Is the sentence simple or compound?
Is the sentence simple or compound?
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a simple sentence and a compound sentence.
Identify the subject and predicate in a simple sentence.
Identify the two complete thoughts (independent clauses) in a compound sentence.
Recognize the seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS).
Explain the role of a comma and a conjunction in a compound sentence.
Correctly label a given sentence as either simple or compound.
Have you ever built something with LEGOs? 🧱 Sentences are like LEGOs; you can use one piece to make something cool, or you can connect two pieces to make something even bigger!
Today, we're going to be Sentence Detectives! We will learn about two types of sentences: simple and compound. Knowing the difference will help make your writing clearer and more exciting for your reader...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Simple SentenceA sentence that has one complete thought. It has only one subject and one predicate.The dog barked.
Compound SentenceA sentence made by joining two simple sentences together with a comma and a special joining word.The dog barked, and the cat hid.
SubjectThe person, place, or thing that the sentence is about. It's the 'who' or 'what'.In 'The frog jumped', the subject is 'The frog'.
PredicateThe part of the sentence that tells what the subject is or does. It always includes the verb.In 'The frog jumped', the predicate is 'jumped'.
Independent ClauseA fancy name for a simple sentence. It's a group of words that can stand all by itself as a complete thought.She read a book.
Coordinating...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Simple Sentence Formula
Subject + Predicate = 1 Complete Thought
Use this formula to check if a sentence is simple. If you can find only one main subject doing one main action, it's a simple sentence.
The Compound Sentence Formula
Simple Sentence + , + FANBOYS Conjunction + Simple Sentence
Use this formula to build or identify a compound sentence. It must have two complete thoughts linked by a comma and a word like 'and', 'but', or 'so'.
The FANBOYS Check
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
These seven words are the special keys to making a compound sentence. If you see one of them after a comma connecting two complete thoughts, you've found a compound sentence!
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Challenging
Read the sentence: The children searched for seashells by the shore.
A.Compound, because 'for' is a conjunction.
B.Compound, because it has two nouns ('children' and 'seashells').
C.Simple, because 'for' is used as a preposition here.
D.Simple, but only because it is short.
Challenging
The sentence 'The dog chased the ball' is a simple sentence. Which of the following changes would make it a compound sentence?
A.The big, fluffy dog chased the ball.
B.The dog chased the ball and the stick.
C.The dog chased and fetched the ball.
D.The dog chased the ball, and the cat watched from the window.
Challenging
Read the sentence: 'The rain fell, and the wind howled.' What is the most important reason this is a compound sentence?
A.It has two independent clauses, each with its own subject and verb.
B.It uses the word 'and' to connect two weather events.
C.It describes a storm, which is a complex event.
D.It has a comma in the middle of the sentence.
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