Language Arts: Sentence Types: Simple, Compound, and Complex
Identify and write different kinds of sentences
Language Arts: Sentence Types: Simple, Compound, and Complex
Identify and write different kinds of sentences
Language Arts - Grade 6-8
- 1
Identify the sentence type: The dog barked loudly.
Look for one complete thought with a subject and a verb.
This is a simple sentence because it has one independent clause. - 2
Identify the sentence type: Mia finished her homework, and she packed her backpack.
This is a compound sentence because it has two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction and. - 3
Identify the sentence type: Although the rain was heavy, the game continued.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
This is a complex sentence because it has one dependent clause, Although the rain was heavy, and one independent clause, the game continued. - 4
Rewrite this simple sentence as a compound sentence: I wanted to go outside.
One correct answer is: I wanted to go outside, but it started to rain. This is compound because it joins two independent clauses. - 5
Rewrite this simple sentence as a complex sentence: The class cheered.
Add a dependent clause that begins with a word like when, because, or although.
One correct answer is: The class cheered when the principal made the announcement. This is complex because it includes a dependent clause and an independent clause. - 6
Identify the sentence type: I studied for the test because I wanted to improve my grade.
This is a complex sentence because it has an independent clause, I studied for the test, and a dependent clause, because I wanted to improve my grade. - 7
Choose the correct sentence type and explain: The sun set, and the stars appeared.
Both parts can stand alone as complete sentences.
This is a compound sentence because it contains two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction and. - 8
Write one simple sentence about school.
One correct answer is: Our class read quietly. It is a simple sentence because it has one independent clause. - 9
Write one compound sentence about sports.
Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or so.
One correct answer is: Liam scored a goal, and the crowd cheered. It is a compound sentence because it has two independent clauses. - 10
Write one complex sentence about weather.
One correct answer is: Because the wind was strong, the trees swayed. It is a complex sentence because it includes a dependent clause and an independent clause. - 11
Identify the sentence type: Before the movie started, we bought popcorn.
Words like before often introduce dependent clauses.
This is a complex sentence because it begins with the dependent clause Before the movie started and includes the independent clause we bought popcorn. - 12
Combine these two simple sentences into one compound sentence: Nora opened the window. Fresh air filled the room.
One correct answer is: Nora opened the window, and fresh air filled the room. This is a compound sentence because it joins two independent clauses. - 13
Combine these ideas into one complex sentence: Ethan was tired. He finished the project.
Use a subordinating word such as although, because, or since.
One correct answer is: Although Ethan was tired, he finished the project. This is a complex sentence because it includes a dependent clause and an independent clause. - 14
Find and correct the mistake: I wanted to read my book, but I was too sleepy because it was late.
The sentence is already correct. It is a complex sentence with a compound element because it includes two independent ideas and a dependent clause. A clearer version is: I wanted to read my book, but I was too sleepy because it was late. - 15
Read the sentence and identify the type: Since the bus was late, we walked to school.
A sentence that starts with since often includes a dependent clause.
This is a complex sentence because Since the bus was late is a dependent clause and we walked to school is an independent clause.