What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or semicolon

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause

Dangling modifiers occur when an introductory phrase does not clearly connect to the subject of the main clause

Parallelism: items in a list or series must use the same grammatical form for clarity and style

Key Vocabulary

Independent clause

A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence; it has a subject and verb and expresses a complete idea

Subordinate clause

A clause that cannot stand alone; it depends on the main clause to complete its meaning

Modifier

A word, phrase, or clause that describes or limits another element in the sentence

Parallelism

Using the same grammatical structure for items in a list or series to create balance and clarity

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Identify the error: "Running down the street, the rain soaked her."

Comma splice Fragment Lack of parallelism Dangling modifier

Question 2

Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

She likes swimming, running, and cycling. She likes swimming, to run, and cycling. She likes to swim, running, and to cycle. She likes to swim, run, and cycling.

Question 3

A semicolon is correctly used to:

Introduce a list after a complete sentence Join two closely related independent clauses Separate items in a simple list Begin a subordinate clause

Advanced Grammar and Sentence Construction