Simple, Compound, Complex, and

Compound-Complex Sentences
 Simple Sentence:
• Contains only one independent clause. It can contain a
compound subject and predicate.

Examples:
• The bus arrived at nine o’ clock.
• The students are studying in groups.
• They liked pizza.
• Toy Story and Cars are movies created by Pixar.
• Adam lives in Bangor and speaks Welsh.
 Compound Sentence:
• Contains two independent clauses divided by a coordinating
conjunction (FAN BOY).
• Coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet
•F A N B O Y
O N O U R E
R D R T T
Examples:
• The puppy has lost her bone, so she was feeling sad.
• I like black, but purple is my favorite color.
• We ate pasta for dinner, and we ate pie for dessert.
 Complex Sentence:
• Contains one independent clause and one dependent clause.

Examples:
• I washed the car after I came home.
• Even though she was late, she managed to complete the
assignment.
• He went to see the doctor because he was sick.
 Compound-Complex Sentence:
• It contains two independent clauses and at least one dependent
clause.

Examples:
• Kate doesn’t like cartoons because they are loud, so she
doesn’t watch them.
• She likes to sleep in, but she can get up early if she has work.
Practice: Identify the following sentences as
simple, compound, complex, or
compound-complex.
________1) Vampires Diaries is my favorite television show, but I also love
True Blood.
________2) The student wiped the white board that was filthy with last
week’s notes.
________3) The trendy fashion designer released her new line on
Wednesday.
________4) Trina and Hareem went to a bar in Hollywood to celebrate their
anniversary.
________5) When we won the state championship, the team captain
jumped for joy, and the fans cheered.
__________6) While waiting for the paint to dry, Angela went to Home
Depot, and Martin organized the kitchen appliances.
__________7) After listening to the Kanye West CD, I have new respect for
his music.
__________8) After the teacher chose groups, John and Sara were
selected as partners for a project, yet Sarah did most of the
work.
__________9) The team captain jumped for joy, and the fans cheered
because we won the state championship.
__________10) Wicked Regina cast a spell on the entire city, so the citizens
decided to rebel.
Write 2 simple sentences. Write 2 complex sentences.
1) 1)
2) 2)

Write 2 compound sentences. Write 2 compound-complex sentences.

1) 1)
2) 2)