Why do complex sentences differ from compound sentences?
Why? I don't know!
How do they differ? That's pretty easy!
Compound sentences are two simple sentences (or two independent clauses) joined with a coordinating conjunction + comma or with a semicolon. (Each part of a compound sentence can be a sentence on its own.)
Complex sentences are made up of one independent (main) clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. These clauses can be joined by means of subordinating conjunctions, relative pronouns, or interrogative pronouns. (Only the main clause can be a sentence on its own; the subordinate clause/clauses cannot stand on its/their own).
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/sentences.htm#sentence_types
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To understand why complex sentences differ from compound sentences, it's important to break down their definitions and structures.
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains an independent clause, which can stand alone as a complete sentence, and one or more dependent clauses, which cannot stand alone. The dependent clause relies on the independent clause to give it meaning or provide additional information.
For example: "Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk."
In this sentence, "we decided to go for a walk" is the independent clause, and "Although it was raining" is the dependent clause. The dependent clause is introduced by the subordinating conjunction "although" and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
On the other hand, a compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions or punctuation.
For example: "I enjoy reading, and my brother prefers watching movies."
In this sentence, "I enjoy reading" and "my brother prefers watching movies" are both independent clauses. They are connected by the coordinating conjunction "and," which shows that the two ideas are related and equally important.
So, the key difference between complex and compound sentences is that complex sentences contain at least one dependent clause, while compound sentences contain multiple independent clauses.
To identify whether a sentence is complex or compound, you can analyze its structure and look for dependent clauses or multiple independent clauses. Pay attention to conjunctions like "although," "because," "when," and "while" that introduce dependent clauses. If there is more than one independent clause joined by a coordinating conjunction like "and," "but," or "or," then it is a compound sentence.
Understanding the distinction between complex and compound sentences allows us to recognize different sentence structures, which can help in understanding and constructing clearer and more varied sentences in writing and communication.