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When does a sentence begin and end?

A sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a punctuation mark. The most common punctuation marks that signal the end of a sentence are:

* Period (.) - Used for declarative sentences (statements)

* Question mark (?) - Used for interrogative sentences (questions)

* Exclamation point (!) - Used for exclamatory sentences (expressions of strong emotion)

Here are some additional things to consider:

* Independent Clauses: Sentences can be made up of one or more independent clauses. An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete thought.

* Dependent Clauses: Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as a sentence. They need to be attached to an independent clause.

* Conjunctions: Words like "and," "but," and "or" can connect independent clauses within a sentence.

Example:

* The dog barked loudly. (One independent clause)

* The dog barked loudly, and the cat hissed. (Two independent clauses connected by "and")

* When the dog barked loudly, the cat hissed. (One independent clause and one dependent clause)

Important Note: While the basic rules are straightforward, there are exceptions and complexities in grammar. If you're unsure about sentence structure, it's always best to consult a grammar guide or a professional.

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