Simple and Compound Sentences - NFL Edition

Which of the following sentences is a simple sentence?

• Tom Brady is a great quarterback.

• Tom Brady, a legendary quarterback, won seven Super Bowl rings.

• Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are both star quarterbacks.

• Tom Brady, who has won seven Super Bowl rings, is known for his incredible career.

Answer explanation

A simple sentence contains only one independent clause and no dependent clauses. The sentence 'Tom Brady is a great quarterback.' is a simple sentence because it has only one subject (Tom Brady) and one predicate (is a great quarterback), without any additional clauses or modifiers.

Identify the compound sentence in the following options.

• J.J. Watt is a defensive powerhouse.

• J.J. Watt is a defensive powerhouse, and he recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

• J.J. Watt, an NFL superstar, made an impact on and off the field.

• J.J. Watt's remarkable work ethic, combined with his talent, made him a fan favorite.

Answer explanation

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. In this case, the correct choice is 'J.J. Watt is a defensive powerhouse, and he recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals.' as it has two independent clauses joined by the conjunction 'and'. The other options are either simple or complex sentences, not compound sentences.

Which sentence is NOT a simple sentence?

• Patrick Mahomes is the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill make a dynamic duo on the field.

• Patrick Mahomes threw a touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill.

• Patrick Mahomes, known for his incredible arm strength, can make remarkable throws.

Answer explanation

A simple sentence has one independent clause. The sentence 'Patrick Mahomes, known for his incredible arm strength, can make remarkable throws.' is not a simple sentence because it contains an independent clause ('Patrick Mahomes can make remarkable throws') and a dependent clause ('known for his incredible arm strength'). The dependent clause provides additional information about Patrick Mahomes, making the sentence complex.

Choose the compound sentence from the options below.

• Russell Wilson is known for his leadership on and off the field.

• Russell Wilson is known for his leadership.

• Russell Wilson's leadership skills have inspired his teammates.

• Russell Wilson, along with his wife Ciara, is involved in numerous charitable activities.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Russell Wilson, along with his wife Ciara, is involved in numerous charitable activities.' because it is a compound sentence. A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or punctuation. In this case, the sentence has two independent clauses joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'along with'. The other options are simple sentences with only one independent clause.

Which of the following is a simple sentence?

• Lamar Jackson is a versatile quarterback who can run and pass.

• Lamar Jackson can run and pass, and he's known for his speed.

• Lamar Jackson's speed on the field is unparalleled.

• Lamar Jackson, a Heisman Trophy winner, plays for the Baltimore Ravens.

Answer explanation

A simple sentence contains one independent clause and no dependent clauses. Among the given options, 'Lamar Jackson's speed on the field is unparalleled.' is a simple sentence because it has only one subject (Lamar Jackson's speed) and one predicate (is unparalleled), making it a single independent clause without any dependent clauses.

Identify the compound sentence in the choices below.

• Aaron Donald is an incredible defensive tackle.

• Aaron Donald, a defensive tackle, consistently disrupts opposing offenses.

• Aaron Donald consistently disrupts opposing offenses, and his teammates rely on his abilities.

• Aaron Donald, despite his smaller stature, dominates the line of scrimmage.

Answer explanation

The question asks to identify the compound sentence among the given options. A compound sentence is one that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. The correct answer, 'Aaron Donald consistently disrupts opposing offenses, and his teammates rely on his abilities.' is a compound sentence because it contains two independent clauses joined by the conjunction 'and'.