Name Date

Is the Sentence Simple, Compound, Complex, or Compound-Complex?

There are different sentence types based on the number and type of clauses in a sentence. A clause has a subject
and a predicate.

A simple sentence is made up of one independent clause. An independent Jamar and I spent all day at
clause has a subject and predicate and can stand alone as a complete the park by the river.
thought.

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a The sky filled with clouds, and
coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. raindrops scattered across
the fields.

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent If you get the chance, you should
clause. The dependent clause might start with a subordinating conjunction like hike to the top of Mission Peak.
after, although, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. It
might also start with a relative pronoun like that, which, who, whom, or
whose.
A compound-complex sentence is made up of two or more independent Sandra's computer broke, so
clauses and one or more dependent clauses. she's borrowing Jeff's old
laptop until she can get it fixed.

Directions: Read each sentence and decide whether it is simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. Write
your answer on the line.

1. The group explores innovative ways to handle the volume and variety of simple
plastics used in the community.

2. When the particles in a solid have more thermal energy, they vibrate more compound-complex
quickly, and the temperature of the substance goes up.

3. As soon as the generator turned on, a loud hum filled every corner of the room. simple

4. The scientists were on a research expedition in frigid coastal waters when they compound-complex
observed the pod of whales.

5. Humans are the only animals known to blush. simple

6. Hurricane season is approaching, so you should make a plan for evacuation in compound-complex
case a storm heads your way.

7.The mimic octopus can change its coloring, and it can even contort its body to look compound-complex
like other creatures.

8. I exhaled loudly, and the instructor calmly offered reassurance. composed

9. During the board meeting, the superintendent will consider input from the public compound-complex
about a ban on cell phones in the classroom.

Find worksheets, games, lessons & more at

education.com/resources
Name Date
10.The inventor of cotton candy, who was surprisingly a dentist, had an idea for a compound-complex
new kind of sweet, and he teamed up with a candy maker to make it happen.

Find worksheets, games, lessons & more at

education.com/resources
Name Date
Is the Sentence Simple, Compound, Complex, or Compound-Complex? #2
There are different sentence types based on the number and type of clauses in a sentence. A clause has a
subject and a predicate.

A simple sentence is made up of one independent clause. An independent The dog looked straight into the
clause has a subject and predicate and can stand alone as a complete photographer’s camera.
thought.
A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a Steph walks to school in the
coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. mornings, but she rides the bus
on her way home.

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent Until more drivers are hired, the
clause. The dependent clause might start with a subordinating conjunction bakery can only deliver cupcakes
like after, although, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. It and cookies until 10 p.m.
might also start with a relative pronoun like that, which, who, whom, or whose.

A compound-complex sentence is made up of two or more Since you completed your project,
independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. you can go play basketball, or
you can watch a movie.

Directions: Read each sentence and decide whether it is simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. Write
your answer on the line.

1. Since his mom often had to

work late at her new job, Jeb started taking on more compound complex
of the household chores.

2. Kara practiced her violin solo every night, and her diligence paid off when she compound
was awarded first chair in the school orchestra.

3. With keen eyes, the magnificent African lion surveyed his expansive grassland complex
domain from atop his high, rocky perch.

4. No one else had arrived at the park yet, so Kayla sat outside the gate to wait. simple

5. Although the interpreter speaks English with a British accent, his native language complex
is actually Italian.

6. Marcella and Manny are fraternal twins, but they have little in common besides compound complex
their parents, birthdays, and the first two letters of their names.

7.Aahna was disappointed that she came in fourth in the 100-meter freestyle event, compound complex
so she refocused and swam her personal best to win the 200-meter event.

8. The villagers living in the drought-stricken desert watched hopefully as the storm complex
clouds gathered on the horizon.

9. The large, fearsome gyascutus, known for having longer legs on one side of its complex
body, is a legendary, mountain-dwelling beast in American folklore.

10.Elephants communicate with infrasonic sounds, which are sounds with pitches complex-
below the range of human hearing, so much of elephant communication is

Find worksheets, games, lessons & more at

education.com/resources
Name Date
inaudible to us.

Find worksheets, games, lessons & more at

education.com/resources