Types of Sentences and Clauses

A complex sentence can start with either the dependent clause, or the independent clause; it does not matter which.

• True

• False

"I want to go to the meeting, but I am so tired!" Which is true about this sentence?

• It does not make sense on its own.

• It has two independent clauses.

• It has a subordinating conjunction.

• It is too long to be a simple sentence.

A clause can be defined as:

• A group of words with a subject and a verb.

• A group of words which do not make sense by themselves.

• A group of words with a verb, but no subject.

• A group of words with a subject, but no verbs.

A complex sentence is

• A sentence that has one independent clause

• A sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause

• A sentence that contains two independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

A compound-complex sentence

• contains two independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause.

• Two very complicated sentences put together.

• A very simple sentence.

Identify the sentence type:

Shawn wanted to ride his bike, and he didn't care that his mom told him he couldn't.

• simple

• complex

• compound

• compound-complex

Does this sentence combine independent and subordinate/dependent clauses correctly?

When I get sick. My mom makes me chicken soup.

• Yes

• No

Does this sentence combine independent and subordinate/dependent clauses correctly?

As I was pulling out, someone backed into my car.

• Yes

• No

Does this sentence combine independent and subordinate/dependent clauses correctly?

I ate a lot of ice cream, before I went on my diet.

• Yes

• No

An independent clause...

• contains a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone as a complete idea.

• contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete idea.