Understanding Simple and Compound Sentences

Khan Academy

In this engaging grammar tutorial, David and Paige explain the structural differences between simple and compound sentences. Using a digital whiteboard, they break down the core components of sentence construction, defining a simple sentence as consisting of a single subject and predicate, while a compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction. The video dives into technical grammar terminology in an accessible way, introducing concepts like "independent clauses" and "predicates." A significant portion of the video is dedicated to a common point of confusion: the difference between a compound sentence (two complete thoughts joined together) and a simple sentence with a compound predicate (one subject doing two things). Through specific examples about buying candy and getting sunburned, the narrators visually diagram these differences. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent tool for improving student writing fluency. It moves beyond basic definitions to help students understand sentence variety and the mechanics of combining ideas. The visual diagramming of subjects and predicates provides a clear model for students to analyze their own writing, making it particularly useful for lessons on syntax, editing, and avoiding run-on sentences.