Here's the solution to the worksheet “Compound v Complex,” with explanations for each sentence:
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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 one or more dependent clauses.
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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.” So this is a complex sentence.
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3. Her eyes were red, so she took some medicine.
✔ Compound
Explanation: This sentence has two independent clauses:
- “Her eyes were red”
- “she took some medicine”
They are joined by the coordinating conjunction “so” (which functions like “and” or “therefore” here). When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), it’s a compound sentence.
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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.” So this is complex.
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5. The television broke, so their dad bought a new one.
✔ Compound
Explanation: Two independent clauses:
- “The television broke”
- “their dad bought a new one”
Joined by the coordinating conjunction “so.” This makes it a compound sentence.
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6. Mandy went to school, and John went to work.
✔ Compound
Explanation: Two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction “and.” Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. Therefore, it’s compound.
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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 adverbial phrase (technically a reduced clause — full form would be “After they had an argument”). Even though it doesn’t have a subject and verb explicitly, it still functions as a dependent clause modifying the main clause. In grammar worksheets like this, such constructions are typically classified as complex sentences because they begin with a subordinating conjunction (“after”) and cannot stand alone.
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✔ Final Answers:
1. Complex
2. Complex
3. Compound
4. Complex
5. Compound
6. Compound
7. Complex
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Quick Tip for Students:
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Compound = 2+ independent clauses + coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
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Complex = 1 independent clause + 1+ dependent clause (usually starts with subordinating conjunction like because, after, although, when, etc.)
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or flashcards to practice! 📚🦉
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of compound sentence worksheet 5th grade.
