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: __________________________ 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.
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3. The home team had the fans’ support, and families cheered from the stands.
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4. The fans went wild over every steal and goal during the game.
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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.
______________
1. He liked to write poetry in his free time.
Sentence Type: Simple Sentence
2. Although he was tired, he decided to go for a run.
Sentence Type: Complex Sentence
3. He played soccer for his school team and scored the winning goal.
Sentence Type: Compound Sentence
1. Compound-Complex Sentence
2. Compound Sentence
3. Simple Sentence
4. Complex Sentence
1. Simple
2. Compound
3. Complex