Compound vs Complex Sentences

Compound vs Complex Sentences

7th Grade

What We Already Know...

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined together with a comma and coordinating conjunction (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So...FANBOYS).

A complex sentence has one independent clause and one subordinate clause. Subordinate clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.

Those Pesky Words

The most common relative pronouns are who, whom, whose, which, and that.

The most common subordinating conjunctions are called AAAWWUBBIS word: As, Although, After, While, When, Unless, Because, Before, If, Since.

The Difference Between The Two

Since Alena left the party early, Karol walked home by herself.

Karol walked home by herself since Alena left the party early.

Alena left the party early, so Karol walked home by herself.

Another Example That Includes a Prep. Phrase

After recess, Aiden carried the football back upstairs because it belonged to him.

Aiden carried the football upstairs after recess because it belonged to him.

Because it belonged to him, Aiden carried the football back upstairs after recess.

After recess, Aiden carried the football back upstairs, for it belonged to him.

The Tricky Phrase

The words after, as, before, since, and until can be either subordinate conjunctions or prepositions.

Until class is over, we have to read our AR book. (Complex Sentence)

Until later, we have to read our AR book. (Simple Sentence)

Before Toronto finished his book, Alex borrowed it from him.

Before class, Alex borrowed the book from Toronto.

Multiple Choice

Which is the compound sentence?

• Ellie is going to the dentist, but she doesn't want to go.

• Before Isaiah left for the day, he grabbed his backpack.

Multiple Choice

Which is the compound sentence?

• Jacob bought a new pair of shoes since he needed new ones.

• Jacob bought a new pair of shoes, and he wore them today.

Multiple Choice

Which is a compound sentence?

• Before Stephanie and Skailar arrived at the party, Elijah jumped in the pool.

• Elijah jumped in the pool, and Alex did a cannonball.

Multiple Choice

Which is the compound sentence?

• After today, Manny is changing seats, and Edwin is taking his spot.

• After the bell rings at three o'clock, Manny can go home.

Multiple Choice

Which is the compound sentence?

• Since Ava is working from home, I only see her on the computer.

• Jayrine's dog keeps barking at the door, but there is no one there.

Multiple Choice

Which is the compound sentence?

• Before class, Jaedyn sent Victoria an email, but Victoria did not read it.

• Before Mr. Urban hands out the tests, you need to sharpen your pencil.

Multiple Choice

Which is the complex sentence?

• As Jacob has eaten the last of the donuts, we will have to go to the store again.

• We are going to the store, but we are not buying Jacob more donuts.

Multiple Choice

Which is the complex sentence?

• We are going to see The Witches, and I am very excited.

• We will go see that movie later even though I have already seen it.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is complex?

• I am going to buy you a present although I do not have much money.

• Chloe bought Bryanna a sweater for Christmas, so she would have a pink one.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is complex?

• Jayrine is going to Holy Name because she really likes the school.

• We need Josh to stop playing Among Us, or we will never win the game.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is complex?

• After Mass, we are going to stay in the pew, for we have a lot to pray for.

• After Mass is over, we are going to leave.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is complex?

• My favorite show is The Simpsons, but I never get to watch it.

• Since you watch a lot of television, you should watch The Simpsons.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is complex?

• Before I boiled water for spaghetti, I made my pasta sauce.

• We are going to the restaurant later.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is complex?

• Alena was early for school, but Elijah was late again.

• Although she left her house early, Addison barely made it to school in time.

Keep Going

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7th Grade IXL Z.3