Let’s go through each sentence one by one and decide if it’s
simple,
compound, or
complex.
Remember:
- A
simple sentence has just one complete thought (one subject + verb, no joining words like “and” or “because”).
- A
compound sentence has two complete thoughts joined by a word like “and”, “but”, or “or”.
- A
complex sentence has one main thought and one extra thought that can’t stand alone — usually starts with words like “before”, “after”, “when”, “because”, “until”, etc.
---
1.
Before we ate, I washed my hands.
→ Starts with “Before” → this is an extra thought (“we ate”) that depends on the main part (“I washed my hands”).
✔ Complex
2.
Ben fished off the pier all morning.
→ Just one person doing one thing. No joining words.
✔ Simple
3.
The boy who I like is in my first class.
→ “who I like” is extra info about “the boy” — it can’t stand alone. So it’s dependent.
✔ Complex
4.
Dylan is a drummer, and Pete plays guitar.
→ Two full sentences joined by “and”. Both could be separate: “Dylan is a drummer.” + “Pete plays guitar.”
✔ Compound
5.
I will wait here until you finish your work.
→ “until you finish your work” is extra info — it doesn’t make sense alone. Depends on “I will wait here”.
✔ Complex
6.
As I have nothing else to do, I’ll come too.
→ Starts with “As” — gives a reason. The first part can’t stand alone.
✔ Complex
7.
I washed my hands and ate a sandwich.
→ One person did two things, but still only ONE subject (“I”). Not two full sentences.
✔ Simple *(Note: Some might think it’s compound, but since there’s only one subject, it’s simple with a compound predicate.)*
8.
Mark the errors with a red pen.
→ This is a command (imperative). Still counts as one complete thought.
✔ Simple
9.
Shannon has been avoiding chance since change can be scary.
→ “since change can be scary” explains why — it’s extra info that depends on the main clause.
✔ Complex
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Final Answer:
1. Complex
2. Simple
3. Complex
4. Compound
5. Complex
6. Complex
7. Simple
8. Simple
9. Complex
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of complex sentence worksheet 3rd grade.
