Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Remember:
  • • Simple sentence: One independent clause (e.g., The dog barked.)
  • • Compound sentence: Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
  • • Complex sentence: One independent clause + one or more dependent clauses joined by a subordinating conjunction (because, although, when, if, since, etc.)

Part A: Identify the Sentence Type

Write S (simple), CD (compound), or CX (complex) next to each sentence.

1. The students finished their homework before dinner. ______
2. I wanted to go to the concert, but the tickets were sold out. ______
3. The rain stopped suddenly. ______
4. Although it was cold, we went swimming at the beach. ______
5. She studied hard for the test, so she felt confident. ______
6. When the bell rang, everyone rushed to the door. ______
7. The cat slept peacefully on the windowsill. ______
8. We can watch a film, or we can play board games. ______

Part B: Combine Using Coordinating Conjunctions

Combine each pair of simple sentences into a compound sentence using an appropriate coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, so, yet).

1. The weather was terrible. We cancelled the picnic.
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2. I could finish my project tonight. I could wake up early tomorrow.
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3. Tom trained every day. He wanted to make the rugby team.
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Part C: Combine Using Subordinating Conjunctions

Combine each pair of simple sentences into a complex sentence using the subordinating conjunction in brackets.

1. We arrived at the cinema. The film had already started. (when)
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2. She enjoys reading mystery novels. They keep her engaged. (because)
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3. The team played well. They lost the match. (although)
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4. You finish your vegetables. You can have dessert. (if)
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Part D: Write Your Own

Write one sentence of each type about your favourite hobby or activity.

Simple sentence:
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Compound sentence:
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Complex sentence:
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