Simple and Compound sentences

• A simple sentence is a sentence that has one

independent clause, which means it has one subject and
one predicate. A compound sentence is a sentence that
has two or more independent clauses, which means it
has two or more subjects and predicates, joined by a
coordinating conjunction or a semicolon. For example:
• Simple sentence: She sings beautifully. (one subject and
one predicate)
• Compound
sentence: She sings beautifully, but he plays the guitar
poorly. (two subjects and two predicates, joined by a
coordinating conjunction)
• choose the correct option for each sentence:
1-I like chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
(simple sentence or compound sentence?)
2-He went to the park, but she stayed home.
(simple sentence or compound sentence?)
3-The dog barked loudly.
(simple sentence or compound sentence?)
4-She ran to the store; he drove to the mall.
(simple sentence or compound sentence?)
Activity 1: Identify the type of sentence

Read each sentence and identify whether it is a

simple, compound, or complex sentence. Write
your answer on the line below the sentence.
• Write S for simple-

1. She loves to read books, but she also likes to

watch movies.
2. The dog barked loudly when it saw the
mailman.
3. He ran fast and won the race.
4. Although he was hungry, he decided to skip
lunch.
5. She sang a song and played the guitar.
Activity 2: Combine two simple sentences into a compound
sentence
Use a comma and a conjunction (and, but, or, so, for, yet, nor)
or a semicolon to combine two simple sentences into a
compound sentence. Write your answer on the line below the
sentences.
1. It was raining outside. She took an umbrella.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. He likes chocolate cake. He doesn’t like vanilla cake.
…………………………………………………………………………………………

3. She studied hard for the test. She got an A.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

4. He forgot his wallet. He couldn’t buy anything.

…………………………………………………………………………………………
5. She is smart. She is kind.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
 Punctuation of compound sentences
• A comma splice is a common error that occurs when two
independent clauses are joined by a comma without a
coordinating conjunction. For example:
o I like chocolate, I don’t like vanilla. (incorrect)
o I like chocolate; I don’t like vanilla. (correct)
o I like chocolate, but I don’t like vanilla. (correct)
• A run-on sentence is a common error that occurs when
two independent clauses are joined without any
punctuation or conjunction. For example:
o She sings beautifully he plays the guitar poorly.
(incorrect)
o She sings beautifully. He plays the guitar poorly.
(correct)
o She sings beautifully, but he plays the guitar poorly.
(correct)