Sentence Structure Lesson & Practice

Sentence Structure Review

By Linda Flores

Simple Sentences

A simple sentence is an independent clause.

Remember that in order for a sentence to an independent clause, it must have a subject and a predicate.

If the subject or predicate is missing, it is a fragment.​

Too many independent clauses put together without conjunctions or proper punctuation is called a run-on.​

Multiple Choice

The high school football game on Friday.

• Sentence Fragment

• Complete Sentence

Multiple Choice

The pumpkin patch near my house.

• Sentence Fragment

• Complete Sentence

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence is made of 2 independent clauses put together with a semicolon (;) or with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).

Using a comma to combine 2 independent clauses is not a compound sentence; it is called a comma splice.

Multiple Choice

Does this sentence need a comma?

She said you were sick but I think you're just lazy.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Does this sentence need a comma? I went to dance and then went home.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Complete the sentence with the coordinating conjunction that make sense.

The weather today will be cool ____ rainy.

• but

• , and

• and

• , yet

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is made of 1 independent clauses and 1 dependent clause.

The dependent clause does not make sense on its own. It begins with a subordinating conjunction (AWUBIS) and has a subject and a predicate.

Multiple Choice

When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, a comma is required.

• True
• False

Multiple Choice

When a subordinating conjunction is in the middle of a sentence, a comma is required.

• True
• False

Multiple Choice

"Although I am in 5th grade" is an example of a __________

• dependent clause

• independent clause

Multiple Choice

What is the dependent clause in this sentence?

Because I didn't do my chores, my mom grounded me for a week.

• Because I didn't do my chores

• Because

• my mom grounded me for a week

• my mom

Compound-Complex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence is made of 2 independent clauses and 1 dependent clause.

The sentence should also have a FANBOYS, an AWUBIS, and proper punctuation.​

Multiple Choice

Langston Hughes was an American novelist, but he was also famous for writing poems and plays.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Multiple Choice

I won't change my mind, but you can ask someone else if you don't like my answer.

• Simple

• Compound

• Complex

• Compound-Complex

Multiple Choice

If we can't find an inexpensive hotel for the Fourth of July weekend, we can always stay with my parents.

• simple

• compound

• complex

• compound-complex