Let’s go through each sentence one by one and figure out if it’s
simple,
compound, or
complex.
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What do these words mean?
-
Simple sentence: One complete thought. Just one subject and one verb (or a compound verb, but still one main idea).
Example: *I like apples.*
-
Compound sentence: Two complete thoughts joined together with a FANBOYS word (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) — usually with a comma before the FANBOYS.
Example: *I like apples, but I don’t like oranges.*
-
Complex sentence: One complete thought + one incomplete thought (that starts with an AAAWWUBBIS word like Because, When, If, etc.).
Example: *I ate lunch because I was hungry.*
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Now let’s look at each sentence:
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1. Do you want to go to the park?
→ This is just one question — one complete thought. No joining words.
✔ Simple
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2. While Max was at recess, he fell and hurt his knee.
→ “While” is an AAAWWUBBIS word → that means this is complex.
The first part (“While Max was at recess”) can’t stand alone — it’s dependent.
The second part (“he fell and hurt his knee”) is independent.
✔ Complex
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3. Do you have a dog, or do you have a cat?
→ Two questions joined by “or” — which is a FANBOYS word.
Each side could be its own sentence: “Do you have a dog?” and “Do you have a cat?”
✔ Compound
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4. My mom packed me an apple for lunch.
→ One subject (“My mom”), one action (“packed”). Complete thought.
No joining words.
✔ Simple
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5. My favorite subject is reading because I love good books.
→ “Because” is an AAAWWUBBIS word → so this is complex.
First part: “My favorite subject is reading” = complete.
Second part: “because I love good books” = depends on the first.
✔ Complex
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6. Maria wanted to go to school, but she was sick.
→ “But” is a FANBOYS word → joins two complete sentences.
“Maria wanted to go to school.” + “She was sick.”
✔ Compound
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7. I hope I do well on my test!
→ One subject (“I”), one main verb (“hope”). The rest is what she hopes — not a separate clause.
Still just one complete thought.
✔ Simple
*(Note: Some might argue “I do well...” is a clause, but in this case, it’s acting as the object of “hope,” not a separate independent clause. So we treat it as simple.)*
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8. I feed my dog before I leave.
→ “Before” is an AAAWWUBBIS word → so this is complex.
“I feed my dog” = complete.
“before I leave” = depends on the first part.
✔ Complex
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9. I woke up early, and I am dressed for school.
→ “And” is a FANBOYS word → joins two complete sentences.
“I woke up early.” + “I am dressed for school.”
✔ Compound
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Final Answer:
1. Simple
2. Complex
3. Compound
4. Simple
5. Complex
6. Compound
7. Simple
8. Complex
9. Compound
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of compound complex sentences worksheet.
