50 Compound Sentences Worksheet With Answers - Free Printable

Let's solve this step by step. The task is to identify whether each sentence is simple, compound, or complex.

Definitions:

- Simple sentence: One independent clause (a complete thought).
- Compound sentence: Two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., *and, but, or*) or a semicolon.
- Complex sentence: One independent clause and one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses. A subordinate clause cannot stand alone and usually starts with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., *because, when, although, if*).

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Now, let’s analyze each sentence:

1. We rang the doorbell, but no one answered it.
→ Two independent clauses joined by *but*.
✔ Compound

2. I wrote Jane a letter while she was away at camp.
→ Main clause: "I wrote Jane a letter"
Subordinate clause: "while she was away at camp" (modifies *wrote*)
✔ Complex

3. Have you seen Mr. Nelson’s garden at the back of his house?
→ One independent clause (question form). No subordinate clause.
✔ Simple

4. When Miss Jones entered the room, we all became quiet.
→ "When Miss Jones entered..." is a subordinate clause; "we all became quiet" is the main clause.
✔ Complex

5. Susan likes chemistry, but she likes physics better.
→ Two independent clauses joined by *but*.
✔ Compound

6. Since we’ve lost every game but one, no one is excited about football this year.
→ "Since we’ve lost..." is a subordinate clause; "no one is excited..." is the main clause.
✔ Complex

7. When I’m tired, I’m not good company for anyone.
→ "When I’m tired" is a subordinate clause; "I’m not good company..." is the main clause.
✔ Complex

8. Wandering aimlessly up the path, Mr. Cutter approached the house.
→ "Wandering..." is a participial phrase, not a clause. Only one independent clause: "Mr. Cutter approached the house."
✔ Simple

9. Susan sang a solo and accompanied herself on the piano.
→ Two verbs in one subject ("Susan"), but they are part of the same independent clause. This is a compound predicate, not two independent clauses.
✔ Simple

10. When the rain began, we were playing tennis.
→ "When the rain began" is a subordinate clause; "we were playing tennis" is the main clause.
✔ Complex

11. When Uncle Jack comes to town, we all have a good time.
→ "When Uncle Jack comes..." is a subordinate clause; "we all have..." is the main clause.
✔ Complex

12. I worked all morning, and then I relaxed in the afternoon.
→ Two independent clauses joined by *and*.
✔ Compound

13. Beth likes all seasons of the year, but she likes fall best.
→ Two independent clauses joined by *but*.
✔ Compound

14. On our trip we drove every afternoon until five o’clock.
→ One independent clause. "Until five o’clock" is an adverbial phrase, not a clause.
✔ Simple

15. Dave began to feel better before the doctor arrived.
→ "Before the doctor arrived" is a subordinate clause modifying "began."
✔ Complex

16. Whistling loudly, Ken walked past the cemetery.
→ "Whistling loudly" is a participial phrase. One independent clause: "Ken walked..."
✔ Simple

17. How many states can you see from Lookout Mountain?
→ One question with a single independent clause.
✔ Simple

18. If you want your car really clean, let George wash it.
→ "If you want..." is a subordinate clause; "let George wash it" is the main clause.
✔ Complex

19. I must stay home until the man comes to repair the washing machine.
→ "Until the man comes..." is a subordinate clause.
✔ Complex

20. Our neighbors are going to Canada on their vacation, but we will take our vacation at home.
→ Two independent clauses joined by *but*.
✔ Compound

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Final Answers:

1. Compound
2. Complex
3. Simple
4. Complex
5. Compound
6. Complex
7. Complex
8. Simple
9. Simple
10. Complex
11. Complex
12. Compound
13. Compound
14. Simple
15. Complex
16. Simple
17. Simple
18. Complex
19. Complex
20. Compound

✔ All sentences classified correctly based on structure.