Here’s the solution to the “Compound v Complex” worksheet, with explanations for each sentence:
---
1. She cried after he gave her a ring.
✔ Complex
*Explanation:* This sentence has one independent clause (“She cried”) and one dependent clause (“after he gave her a ring”). The word “after” is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the dependent clause. A complex sentence contains at least one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
---
2. Mel was good at soccer because she trained daily.
✔ Complex
*Explanation:* “Mel was good at soccer” is the independent clause. “Because she trained daily” is the dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction “because.” Again, this fits the definition of a complex sentence.
---
3. Her eyes were red, so she took some medicine.
✔ Compound
*Explanation:* This sentence has two independent clauses: “Her eyes were red” and “she took some medicine,” joined by the coordinating conjunction “so” (which functions like “and” or “therefore” here). A compound sentence joins two or more independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
---
4. Andy rang the police because he was in danger.
✔ Complex
*Explanation:* “Andy rang the police” is the independent clause; “because he was in danger” is the dependent clause introduced by “because.” This makes it a complex sentence.
---
5. The television broke, so their dad bought a new one.
✔ Compound
*Explanation:* Two independent clauses — “The television broke” and “their dad bought a new one” — are joined by the coordinating conjunction “so.” Therefore, it’s a compound sentence.
---
6. Mandy went to school, and John went to work.
✔ Compound
*Explanation:* Two independent clauses (“Mandy went to school” and “John went to work”) are joined by the coordinating conjunction “and.” Classic compound sentence.
---
7. After their argument, they decided to leave the house.
✔ Complex
*Explanation:* “They decided to leave the house” is the independent clause. “After their argument” is a dependent clause (adverbial phrase acting as a clause) that modifies when the action happened. Even though it’s short, it’s still a dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction “after.” So, this is a complex sentence.
---
✔ Final Answers:
1. Complex
2. Complex
3. Compound
4. Complex
5. Compound
6. Compound
7. Complex
---
📌
Quick Tip for Students:
-
Compound = 2+ independent clauses + coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
-
Complex = 1 independent clause + 1+ dependent clause (introduced by subordinating conjunction like because, after, when, if, etc.)
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or flashcards for practice! 📚🦉
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of combining sentences worksheet 7th grade.
