sentence structure simple compound complex sentences

Which of the following is a simple sentence?

• The team won the game, and the crowd went wild.

• After the team won, they celebrated on the field.

• The talented team from our school won the championship.

• The team that practiced every day won, so they earned the trophy.

Answer explanation

This is a simple sentence because it contains only one independent clause (one subject-verb pair). Option A is compound, B is complex, and D is compound-complex.

All of the following are simple sentences EXCEPT one. Which sentence is the 'odd one out' because it is not a simple sentence?

• My friends and I are going to the movies this weekend.

• The loud, unexpected thunder scared the little dog.

• She finished her homework, so she could watch her favorite show.

• Did you see the amazing final play of the game last night?

Answer explanation

This is a compound sentence because it joins two independent clauses ('She finished her homework' and 'she could watch her favorite show') with the coordinating conjunction 'so'. The other options are all simple sentences.

Choose the correct coordinating conjunction to complete the compound sentence: I wanted to get the new video game, _____ I had to save my allowance for a month.

• for

• or

• but

• nor

Answer explanation

The conjunction 'but' correctly shows the contrast between wanting the game and the obstacle of having to save for it. The other conjunctions do not create a logical relationship between the two clauses.

The following sentence has a comma splice error. Which option correctly fixes it? My dad is a great cook, he makes the best spaghetti.

• My dad is a great cook; he makes the best spaghetti.

• My dad is a great cook he makes the best spaghetti.

• My dad is a great cook, and so he makes the best spaghetti.

• The sentence is correct as written.

Answer explanation

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma. Using a semicolon is a correct way to fix this. Option B is a run-on sentence, and Option C is grammatically awkward and redundant with 'and so'.

Which option correctly combines these two simple sentences into a single, correctly punctuated compound sentence? The cat napped on the sofa. The dog chewed on a bone.

• The cat napped on the sofa, the dog chewed on a bone.

• The cat napped on the sofa, and the dog chewed on a bone.

• The cat napped on the sofa while the dog chewed on a bone.

• The cat napping on the sofa, the dog chewing on a bone.

Answer explanation

A compound sentence connects two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (like 'and'). Option A is a comma splice, option C creates a complex sentence, and option D is a fragment.

In the sentence, 'I will text you when I get home from practice,' which part is the dependent clause?

• I will text you

• when I get home from practice

• to get home from practice

• I will

Answer explanation

A dependent clause starts with a subordinating conjunction (like 'when') and has a subject and verb, but cannot stand alone. 'I will text you' is the independent clause. 'to get home from practice' is an infinitive phrase (a non-finite clause), not a dependent clause.

Choose the best subordinating conjunction to complete the sentence: _____ I wanted to go to the concert, I knew I had to study for my history exam.

• Although

• Because

• Until

• So that

Answer explanation

The subordinating conjunction 'Although' correctly shows the contrast between the desire to go to the concert and the necessity of studying. 'Because' would imply studying was the reason for wanting to go, which is illogical.

Complete the following sentence to make it a complex sentence: We can go to the beach this weekend _____.

• and we can build a sandcastle

• if the weather is sunny

• so I will pack my towel

• , the weather is sunny

Answer explanation

Adding the dependent clause 'if the weather is sunny' creates a complex sentence. Options A and C would create compound sentences, and option D would create a comma splice.

Complete the sentence with the correctly punctuated introductory clause: _____, the team celebrated their victory.

• After the game ended

• After the game ended,

• After the game ended;

• After the game, ended

Answer explanation

When a complex sentence begins with a dependent clause (like 'After the game ended'), a comma is required to separate it from the main clause. Option A is a run-on, C incorrectly uses a semicolon, and D misplaces the comma after the subject.

Read the sentence: 'Although the storm was intense, we stayed safe inside, and we played board games until it passed.' How many independent and dependent clauses does this sentence contain?

• One independent clause, one dependent clause

• Two independent clauses, one dependent clause

• One independent clause, two dependent clauses

• Two independent clauses, two dependent clauses

Answer explanation

The sentence has two independent clauses ('we stayed safe inside' and 'we played board games') and two dependent clauses ('Although the storm was intense' and 'until it passed'). This makes it a compound-complex sentence.