English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?
Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define and identify an independent clause.
Define and identify a dependent clause.
Distinguish between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
Correctly identify simple sentences.
Correctly identify compound sentences.
Correctly identify complex sentences.
Explain how sentence structure impacts meaning and flow in writing.
Have you ever noticed how some sentences feel short and punchy, while others seem to stretch out with more information? 🤔
In this lesson, you'll learn to identify three main types of sentences: simple, compound, and complex. Understanding these structures will help you write more varied and interesting sentences, making your argumentative essays stronger and your explanations clearer when citing evidence or discussing an a...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.The cat slept.
Dependent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does NOT express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence and often begins with a subordinating conjunction.Because the cat was tired.
Simple SentenceA sentence consisting of only one independent clause. It has one subject and one verb (though the subject or verb can be compound).The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
Compound SentenceA sentence consisting of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon.The quick brown fox jumped, and the lazy dog watched.
Complex SentenceA sen...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Simple Sentence Rule
A simple sentence contains one independent clause and no dependent clauses.
Look for a single subject-verb pair that forms a complete thought. Even if the subject or verb is compound (e.g., 'The boy and girl ran and jumped'), it's still one independent clause.
The Compound Sentence Rule
A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses, joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) with a comma, or by a semicolon.
Identify at least two complete thoughts that could stand alone as sentences. Check for a FANBOYS word or a semicolon connecting them.
The Complex Sentence Rule
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
Look for a complete thought (independent clause) and another...
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Challenging
An author wants to connect two equal but contrasting ideas to show a balanced argument. Which sentence structure would be most effective?
A.simple sentence with a compound subject.
B.complex sentence using 'because'.
C.compound sentence using 'but' or 'yet'.
D.Two separate simple sentences.
Challenging
Identify the type of sentence: Hoping to win the game, the team practiced for hours.
A.Simple
B.Compound
C.Complex
D.Fragment
Challenging
A student writes: 'Since I finished my work.' Why is this not a complete sentence, and what type of sentence would it become if an independent clause were added?
A.It's a fragment; it would become a simple sentence.
B.It's a run-on; it would become a compound sentence.
C.It's a fragment; it would become a complex sentence.
D.It's an independent clause; it would become a compound sentence.
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