Let's solve this worksheet step by step. The task is to identify whether each sentence is
compound or
complex.
Definitions:
-
Compound Sentence: Contains
two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., *and, but, or, so, yet, for*).
-
Complex Sentence: Contains
one independent clause and
at least one dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone), often introduced by subordinating conjunctions like *because, although, since, while, when, if*, etc.
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Now let’s analyze each sentence:
---
1. She liked cheese, but she didn't like milk.
- Two independent clauses: "She liked cheese" and "she didn't like milk"
- Joined by
but (coordinating conjunction)
✔ Compound
---
2. While the water ran, she quickly grabbed a towel.
- "While the water ran" → dependent clause (starts with subordinating conjunction *while*)
- "she quickly grabbed a towel" → independent clause
✔ Complex
---
3. The store was closed, so they went home.
- Two independent clauses: "The store was closed" and "they went home"
- Joined by
so (coordinating conjunction)
✔ Compound
---
4. Her brother liked pizza, and she liked hamburgers.
- Two independent clauses: "Her brother liked pizza" and "she liked hamburgers"
- Joined by
and (coordinating conjunction)
✔ Compound
> Note: There's a typo in the sentence — "like" should be "liked" (past tense). But we're analyzing grammar structure, not spelling.
---
5. John didn't eat his dinner because he was upset.
- "John didn't eat his dinner" → independent clause
- "because he was upset" → dependent clause (starts with *because*)
✔ Complex
---
6. Although traffic was bad, Amber was still on time.
- "Although traffic was bad" → dependent clause (*although* is a subordinating conjunction)
- "Amber was still on time" → independent clause
✔ Complex
---
7. Since it was the holiday, they could stay up late.
- "Since it was the holiday" → dependent clause (*since* introduces reason)
- "they could stay up late" → independent clause
✔ Complex
---
Final Answers:
1.
Compound
2.
Complex
3.
Compound
4.
Compound
5.
Complex
6.
Complex
7.
Complex
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✔ Answer Key:
1. Compound
2. Complex
3. Compound
4. Compound
5. Complex
6. Complex
7. Complex
Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a printable answer sheet!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of simple compound complex and compound complex sentences worksheet.
