Connecting Words & Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

Kinds of sentences

What are simple, compound, and complex sentences?

Print a list of the different kinds of connecting words.

Coordinating Conjunctions: FANBOYS

FANBOYS Explanation:

• for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

• The 7 FANBOYS all follow the same pattern.

  • If you are joining 2 independent clauses with these words, you must have have a comma BEFORE the coordinating conjunction. 

  • All of the FANBOYS are very small words, but grammar teachers call their group by a very big name.

  • I don't always remember the punctuation rules, so I will practice the exercises below.

Practice FANBOYS: 

1. coordinating conjunctions explanation

2. coordinating conjunctions practice

3. more explanation and practice 

Subordinating Conjunctions 

Subordinating Conjunctions Explanation:

• Subordinating Conjunctions are used to connect a dependent clause with an independent clause.

• If the dependent clause comes first, you should use a comma between them. 

• You should not use a comma in most cases if the dependent clause follows the independent clause. 

• You may use a comma before the following contrasting words when they begin a dependent clause that is after the independent clause: although, even though, though, while, and whereas.

Subordinating Conjunctions Practice: 

1. subordinating conjunctions explanation-basic

2. subordinating conjunctions 1

3. subordinating conjunctions 2

4. subordinating conjunctions explanation -intermediate

5. subordinating conjunctions 1

6. more conjunctions

7. because and because of

8. Practice though, although, despite, however

Subordinating Conjunctions / Conjunctive Adverbs and Transitions Words

Subordinating Conjunctions Explanation:

Like the FANBOYS, conjunctive adverbs also connect 2 independent clauses; however, their punctuation rules are very different. For example, look at how "however" and "for example" are used in these 2 sentences.

Subordinating Conjunctions Practice:

1. Conjunctive Adverbs 1

2. Conjunctive Adverbs 2

3. More practice and explanation