In our daily life, sentences play an important role because, through this, we can share our thoughts with someone else. The term “sentence” means words that are grouped and contains a verb and subject.
Sentences can be categorised into simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
Key Takeaways
- Compound sentences are made up of two or more independent clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction. In contrast, complex sentences comprise an independent clause and a dependent clause.
- Compound sentences are used to connect two or more related ideas, while complex sentences are used to show a relationship between ideas.
- Compound sentences use coordinating conjunctions like “and,” “but,” and “or,” while complex sentences use subordinating conjunctions like “although,” “because,” and “if.”
Compound Sentences vs Complex Sentences
A compound sentence is one that has more than one main clause and should have at least two main clauses, also they should be combined using a coordinating conjunction or a conjunctive adverb; on the other hand, a complex sentence is one that should have a main clause and a subordinate clause.
A sentence which is made up of independent clauses which are two or more in number is known as a compound sentence. Coordinating conjunction plays an important role in connecting clauses.
An independent clause with one or more than one independent clause makes up the complex sentence. Subordinating conjunction such as because, although, how, once, though, etc., are used while forming complex sentences.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Compound Sentences | Complex Sentences |
|---|---|---|
| Interpretation | Sentence with more than one predicate or subject. | The sentence contains clauses or a subordinate. |
| Formation | Independent clause1 + coordinating conjunction + independent clause2 | Independent clause + dependent clause |
| Dependent clauses | Do not have any. | Have one or more. |
| Independent clauses | Two or more. | Only one. |
| Example | Grace opened the door and she looked outside. | When he won the award, everyone cheered. |
What are Compound Sentences?
Compound sentences are sentences that contain independent clauses in two or more than that number. An Independent clause is nothing but a sentence which do not depend on anything and hence, gives a complete meaning.
Comma helps to link compound sentences. Coordinating conjunctions also link these kinds of sentences by connecting phrases, words, and independent clauses.
To make a compound sentence, the semicolon is also used instead of a coordinating conjunction or comma. They tell about two complete thoughts which are related to any idea.
What are Complex Sentences?
Complex sentences are sentences that contain dependent clauses in more than one or only one number with one independent clause.
Complex sentences are completed with the help of subordinating conjunctions. Subordinating conjunctions are mainly words that connect an independent to a dependent clause.
Complex sentences are known as “complex” because they are much different from simple sentences. While a little bit similar to compound sentences.
Main Differences Between Compound Sentences and Complex Sentences
- To begin a compound sentence, a coordinating conjunction is not used. On the other hand, at the beginning of the complex sentence, subordinating conjunction is most required.
- When it comes to clarity and specification of sentences, compound sentences are not much clearer. As a result, compound sentences are not much effective than complex sentences.
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/4177763
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=pjNwpxL9FxQC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=complex+sentences&ots=Uh0eA-TyiI&sig=GOsK1u4_XS0txztFgPFXDTJnq6E
Last Updated : 14 August, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
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