A simple sentence has one independent clause and no subordinate clauses.
An independent (or main) clause expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a sentence. Identify if the following sentences are simple.
Simple Sentence | not a Simple Sentence | |
|---|---|---|
I really enjoyed the movie. | ||
The vase fell. | ||
All the passengers seemed in a hurry | ||
After the dance, we went to the diner. |
Simple sentences can also have a compound subject, compound verb, or both. In the following simple sentences, identify if they contain a compound subject, compound verb, or both.
My mom worked and graduated college last year.
Becca and Damian ate lunch and then watched a movie.
Steve ran and lifted weights after school.
The previews and commercials were at the beginning.
Mom, dad, and the kids ate popcorn and candy.
Emily and Joe went to the store and bought flowers.
Compound subject
Compound verb
Both
Compound sentences have two independent clauses. Identify if the following sentences are compound.
We're getting ready to leave, so please come with us.
Complex sentences have one independent clause and one subordinate clause.
Identify if the following sentence is complex.
We might stop for pizza after the movie is over.
Identify if the sentence is complex or compound.
They drove to the theater after they picked up Jenny.
Identify if the sentence is complex or compound.
John worked on the car, and I helped with the tires.
Identify if the sentence is complex or compound.
The puck flew; the buzzer sounded, and the game was over.
Identify if the sentence is complex or compound.
Bruce charged the net; the goalie tensed.
Identify if the sentence is complex or compound.
While you're working, I'll clean my room.
Identify if the sentence is complex or compound.
The jobs that you're doing look hard.