Compound or Complex sentence.

Question

I just need to know if the following sentence counts as a Compound or Complex sentence.

"She wasn’t afraid, because she knew she was tougher."

Answer 1

Hi Johh,

Complex sentences have one independent clause and one dependent clause and joined with a subordinating conjunction. 99% of the time, complex sentences have an AAAWWUBBIS word.

AAAWWUBBIS is an acronym to help students remember the difference between compound and complex sentences.

AAAWWUBBIS: As, Although, After, While, When, Unless, Because, Before, If, Since

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I totally agree with the first answer that says it is a complex sentence. It contains a principal clause (she wasn't afraid) which can stand on its own whereas the second part of the sentence is a dependant clause or subordinate clause which starts with subordinate conjunction 'because'. Compound sentences will be independent sentences joined with coordinating conjunctions like ' for, and,nor, but,or,yet,so" (FANBOYS), but complex sentences will be joined with subordinating conjunctions like ' because,if,unless,even

though, when,as,whether', etc.

Answer 3

It is a complex sentence because it contains an independent clause (she wasn't afraid) and a dependent clause (because she knew she was tougher) with a subordinating conjunction (because). In a complex sentence, look for subordinating conjunctions (because, since, although, when, etc...).