Compound and Complex Sentences

Compound and Complex Sentence Review

Complex sentences have 1 dependent clause and 1 independent clause.

If the dependent clause comes first, a comma is needed between the two clauses.

A comma is not needed if the dependent clause comes second.

Complex Sentences

Compound sentences are 2 independent clauses joined by a comma and coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) OR a semi-colon (;)

Mrs. Burks got a burrito, and Ms. Nunez got a bag of chips.

The burrito was okay; the chips were delicious.

Compound Sentences

We already know...

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence compound or complex?

Before ILEARN started, I made sure to eat my breakfast.

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence compound or complex?

Many of my friends were nervous, but I'm not too worried about ILEARN.

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence compound or complex?

The tests were starting shortly after the bell, so I went right to my classroom.

• Compound

• Complex

Multiple Choice

Is the following sentence compound or complex?

We were not allowed to pick up our backpacks until everyone was finished with their test.

• Compound

• Complex

With compound sentences, a comma appears right BEFORE the FANBOYS that connects the two independent clauses.

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Commas with compound sentences

Complex sentences only need a comma between the clauses when the DEPENDENT clause comes first.

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Commas with complex sentences

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is a CORRECTLY PUNCTUATED compound sentence?

• Before I went to sleep last night, I wrote in a journal.

• I got ready for bed, and I wrote in my journal.

• I am going to brush my teeth before I fall asleep.

• I made sure my siblings were in bed I told my parents they were fine.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is a CORRECTLY PUNCTUATED complex sentence?

• I woke up early in the morning, so I could go for a run.

• My legs were sore but I had more energy.

• After I got on the bus, I checked my phone.

• My friend Sierra called me last night, after I went to bed.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is a CORRECTLY PUNCTUATED complex sentence?

• Before I went to sleep last night I wrote in a journal.

• I got ready for bed, and I wrote in my journal.

• I am going to brush my teeth before I fall asleep.

• I made sure my siblings were in bed I told my parents they were fine.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is a CORRECTLY PUNCTUATED compound sentence?

• I woke up early in the morning, so I could go for a run.

• My legs were sore but I had more energy.

• After I got on the bus, I checked my phone.

• My friend Sierra called me last night after I went to bed.