Compound examples are formed by at least two independent clauses (they can stand alone as a sentence) that share the same idea. These independent clauses are usually joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or by a semicolon.
Examples of compound sentences taken from Banneker's letter:
• <u>You may have the opportunity of perusing it after its publication </u><u>(</u>independent clause), <em>yet</em> (coordinating conjunction) <u>I chose to send it to you in manuscript previous thereto </u><u>(</u>independent clause)
• <u>You might not only have an earlier inspection </u><u>(</u>independent clause), <em>but</em> (coordinating conjunction) <u>that you might also view it in my own hand writing</u><u>(</u>independent clause)<u>
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Complex examples are formed by an independent clause and at least one dependent clause (they cannot stand alone in spite of having a subject and a verb). Dependent clauses are usually preceded by a subordinating conjunction (since, when, who, which, while, etc.)
Examples of complex sentences taken from Banneker's letter:
• <u>Sir I am fully sensible of the greatness of that freedom </u>(independent clause) <em>which </em>(subordinating conjunction) I take with you on the present occasion (dependent clause)
• <em>Although</em> (subordinating conjunction) my Sympathy and affection for my brethren hath caused my enlargement thus far (dependent clause), <u>I ardently hope that your candour and generosity will plead with you in my behalf </u>(independent clause)
