Compound & Complex Sentences

Compound & Complex Sentences

By Aline Infante

Contains an independent clause and a dependent clause.

The dependent clause starts with a subordinating conjunction.

When the dependent clause starts the sentence a comma must be placed after it.​

​Complex

Consists of two independent clauses that are joined by a comma and coordinating conjunction such as:

• and, to connect similar ideas;

• but, to contrast two ideas;

• so, to connect cause and effect. ​

​Compound

Sentences

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with a coordinating conjunction.

(FANBOYS)

It was 1960, ____ times were changing.

• because

• and

• after

• when

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with a coordinating conjunction.

(FANBOYS)

The group of scout boys was in danger, ________ the leader sent a troop to protect them.

• since

• before

• so

• while

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with a coordinating conjunction.

(FANBOYS)

Louisiana wanted to implement a new law_______ the government didn't aprove it.

• but

• after

• when

• that

Fill in the Blanks

Combine the two sentences to form a complex. Use the subordinating conjunction in parenthesis and punctuate when necessary.

Ruby knew a little about racism. She was young. (because)

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct complex sentence formed with the two clauses below.

Check spelling and punctuation.

It was so dangerous. Soldiers had to escort Ruby. (since)

• Since it was so dangeros, soldiers had to escortt Ruby.

• Soldiers had to escort Ruby since it was so dangerous.

• Sinze soldiers had to escort Ruby, it was so danregos.

• It was so dangeros, since soldiers had to scort Ruby.

Fill in the Blanks

Combine the two sentences below to form a complex sentence using the subordinating conjunction in parenthesis. Punctuate correctly.

Ruby helped her classmates. She studied for the test. (because)

Agreement in Compound & Complex Sentences

Compound and complex sentences usually have words between pronouns and antecedents and between subjects and verbs.

Be careful to check for agreement when you write compound and complex sentences.

​

The students asked fre time, and they were polite in their request.

Ruby was very young when she started practicing ballet.​

Multiple Choice

Choose the pronoun that agrees with its antecedent.

Luis was worried about participating in the contest, but ____ managed to calm himself.

• she

• him

• he

• her

Multiple Choice

Choose the pronouns that agree with their antecedent.

Betty wasn't very tall, and ____ was surrounded by ___ friends.

• she - his

• they - her

• he - his

• she - her

Multiple Choice

Choose the pronoun that agrees with its antecedent.

The soldiers' job is to protect people, and ____ are armed.

• they

• hi

• she

• we

Multiple Choice

Choose the verb that agrees with its subject.

Laura, who is short, _____ ready to win the basketball match.

• are

• was

• were

• am

Multiple Choice

Choose the verb that agrees with its subject.

Richard's teacher says that she _______ to prepare him for the test.

• want

• wanted

• wants

• wanter

Multiple Choice

Choose the verb that agrees with its subject.

The teachers, who are there to teach students, ____ prepared for the online classes.

• is

• am

• was

• are