Sentence Structure Grammar Quiz : Simple, Compound, Complex

A comma in a COMPLEX sentence is required when________

• the dependent clause begins the sentence

• the dependent clause ends the sentence

Answer explanation

A comma is required in a complex sentence when the dependent clause begins the sentence. This helps to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause, enhancing clarity.

A COMPOUND-COMPLEX sentence contains

• one independent clause only

• two independent clauses only

• one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses

• two or more independent clauses & one or more dependent clauses

Answer explanation

A COMPOUND-COMPLEX sentence contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses, making the correct choice 'two or more independent clauses & one or more dependent clauses'.

We decided to go out for dinner since nobody went grocery shopping.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Answer explanation

The sentence is complex because it contains an independent clause "We decided to go out for dinner" and a dependent clause "since nobody went grocery shopping." The dependent clause cannot stand alone, making it a complex sentence.

Ms. Poitier likes to bake, but she does not enjoy cooking.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Answer explanation

The sentence contains two independent clauses: 'Ms. Poitier likes to bake' and 'she does not enjoy cooking', joined by 'but'. This structure makes it a compound sentence.

Because she forgot her tennis shoes, she could not play basketball, so her mom brought her shoes to the school.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Answer explanation

The sentence contains two independent clauses: "she could not play basketball" and "her mom brought her shoes to the school," joined by a conjunction. It also includes a dependent clause: "Because she forgot her tennis shoes," making it compound-complex.

Her father and mother made beans, rice, tomatoes, and chicken for dinner.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Answer explanation

The sentence "Her father and mother made beans, rice, tomatoes, and chicken for dinner" is a simple sentence because it contains a single independent clause with a subject and a predicate, without any dependent clauses.

When you turn 15, I'll take you to Disney World.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Answer explanation

The sentence "When you turn 15, I'll take you to Disney World" is complex because it contains an independent clause "I'll take you to Disney World" and a dependent clause "When you turn 15" that cannot stand alone.

Many brave soldiers fought in the war, and they received medals of honor.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Answer explanation

The sentence contains two independent clauses: "Many brave soldiers fought in the war" and "they received medals of honor," joined by the conjunction 'and.' This structure makes it a compound sentence.

I was late for work, but it wasn't a problem because my boss is understanding.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Answer explanation

The sentence contains two independent clauses: "I was late for work" and "it wasn't a problem" joined by 'but', making it compound. The clause "because my boss is understanding" adds a dependent clause, making it compound-complex.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• You can stay home or you can go to the movies.

• Beth hates peanuts and she is allergic.

• Before David left, he made sure all the doors were locked.

• She was late for school, because her alarm didn't work.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'Before David left, he made sure all the doors were locked.' It properly uses a comma after the introductory clause, while the other options either lack necessary punctuation or are incorrectly punctuated.