Lesson 3: Simple, Complex, Compound, and Compound-Complex
Sentences
A simple sentence is one independent clause—a group of words that has a subject
and a verb and can stand by itself as a complete thought.
Example: The dog chased the ball.
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses linked by a word
such as and, but, or or.
Example: Mr. Roberts was a teacher, but he also coached soccer.
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent
clauses—a group of words that has a subject and a verb but is not a complete thought.
Example: Although he was a science teacher, Mr. Roberts also taught math.
Directions: Using the phrase provided below, write a sentence. THEN
label your sentences by writing simple, compound, or complex in
parentheses after each one.
Example: attended high school
Sentence using the phrase: My neighbor attended high school with my daughter, so
they drove together each morning.
Sentence Type: Compound Sentence
1. liked to write poetry
Sentence using the phrase:
_________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Sentence Type: ___________________________
2. Although he was
Sentence using the phrase:
________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Sentence Type: ___________________________
3. played soccer for his school team
Sentence using the phrase:
________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Sentence Type: ___________________________
Directions: Label each sentence below as simple, complex, compound, or
compound-complex. You will only use each term only ONCE.
1. The players were nervous because they had never beaten the opposing team.
________________________________
2. When the teams left the field for halftime, the home team was winning, but the
opposing team trailed by only one goal.
________________________________
3. The home team had the fans’ support, and families cheered from the stands.
________________________________
4. The fans went wild over every steal and goal during the game.
________________________________
Directions: Read the following sentences. Identify each as either simple,
compound, or complex. Write your answer on the line.
1. The ducks and geese flew south. _________________
2. Some birds swam or hunted for grain. ________________
3. Although the tree squirrel is a wonderful acrobat, it sometimes misses its mark.
_______________
4. Mr. Gleason runs a pet store, and his two children help him.
____________________
5. The store is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.
______________________
1. The players were nervous because they had never beaten the opposing team.
Compound complex
2. When the teams left the field for halftime, the home team was winning, but the opposing team trailed by only one goal.
Complex
3. The home team had the fans’ support, and families cheered from the stands.
Compound
4. The fans went wild over every steal and goal during the game.
Simple
1. The ducks and geese flew south.
Simple
2. Some birds swam or hunted for grain.
Compound
3. Although the tree squirrel is a wonderful acrobat, it sometimes misses its mark.
Complex
4. Mr. Gleason runs a pet store, and his two children help him.
Compound
5. The store is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.
Simple