Simple/Compound Sentences and Run-On Sentences

Identify the structure of the following sentence: The students get to go home at the end of an early release day; however, the teachers have meetings to attend. 

• Simple

• Compound

Answer explanation

If we split this sentence in half at the semicolon, both sides would have a subject and a verb, and both sides would be able to stand alone as complete sentences. That's what makes this a compound sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1J

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B

Identify the structure of the following sentence: We followed the tour guide across the bridge, through the tunnel, and into a different neighborhood.

• Simple

• Compound

Answer explanation

Remember that a long sentence is not always a compound one. This sentence only has one subject and verb. What makes it longer is the string of prepositional phrases at the end of the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Identify the structure of the following sentence: The students studied for the exam and performed quite well!

• Simple

• Compound

Answer explanation

Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) do not always indicate compound sentences. In this sentence, we have a compound predicate. The students studied and performed. However, since we just have one subject, this is still a simple sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Identify the structure of the following sentence: Maria arrived at the bus station early, but I arrived late and missed the bus.

• Simple

• Compound

Answer explanation

When we see a comma and a FANBOYS word, that lets us know that we might have a compound sentence. To check, split the sentence in half where you see the FANBOYS word. If both sides have a subject and predicate and if they can both stand alone as separate sentences, then you have a compound sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1J

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B

Identify the structure of the following sentence: The Early College students and the NCCU students are anxious about the upcoming exams.

• Simple

• Compound

Answer explanation

This is a longer sentence, but that doesn't mean that it is compound. In this sentence, we have a two subjects. However, since they are sharing the same action, it is still a simple sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

Identify the structure of the following sentence: She wanted to go to the movie, but he preferred to stay home and read a book.

• Simple

• Compound

Answer explanation

To check for a compound sentence, try to split the sentence in half where you see the FANBOYS word or the semicolon. If the two sides make sense as separate sentences and have subjects and predicates, then you have a compound sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1J

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B

Identify the structure of the following sentence: The sun was shining brightly, so they decided to have a picnic in the park.

• Simple

• Compound

Answer explanation

To check for a compound sentence, try to split the sentence in half where you see the FANBOYS word or the semicolon. If the two sides make sense as separate sentences and have subjects and predicates, then you have a compound sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1J

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B

Identify the structure of the following sentence: The cat sat on the windowsill.

• Simple

• Compound

Answer explanation

This sentence only has one subject and one predicate. That makes it a simple sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1J

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B

Identify the structure of the following sentence: I have a busy schedule this week; however, I'm determined to finish all of my tasks on time.

• Simple

• Compound

Answer explanation

To check for a compound sentence, try to split the sentence in half where you see the FANBOYS word or the semicolon. If the two sides make sense as separate sentences and have subjects and predicates, then you have a compound sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1J

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.7.1B

Identify the structure of the following sentence: Carlotta danced at the party and sang her favorite song.

• Simple

• Compound

Answer explanation

There are two verbs in this sentence but only one subject. Because there's no way to split this sentence in two and have it make two separate sentences, that means it is a simple sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.9-10.2A