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Identifying simple, compound and complex sentences

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 11mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What does a simple sentence (or independent clause) HAVE to include?

a)

noun + adjective

b)

adverb

c)

subject and verb

d)

chocolate

2.

Which of the following is a SIMPLE SENTENCE?

a)

the mysterious, glistening object

b)

Mr. Barrett ate 3 pizzas.

c)

The bear smiled as he looked at his cosy den.

d)

beyond the beautiful horizon

3.

Identify the simple sentences (there may be more than 1).

a)

It was a beautiful day.

b)

We love English lessons!

c)

over the hill

d)

As the flowers swayed and danced

4.

Do conjunctions appear in simple sentences?

a)

Yes

b)

No

5.

How would you describe a COMPOUND SENTENCE?

a)

It has a subject and verb but NO CONJUNCTION.

b)

Two simple sentences (independent clauses) joined together with a coordinating conjunction.

c)

A sentence that starts with a subordinating conjunction

6.

What do compound sentences include?

a)

Coordinating conjunctions

b)

Subordinating conjunctions

c)

No conjunctions

d)

French fries

7.

Which of the following are coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)? There may be more than one correct answer.

a)

as

b)

never

c)

and

d)

so

8.

Which of the following are coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS). There may be more than 1 correct answer.

a)

because

b)

yet

c)

oy

d)

but

9.

Which of the following describes a subordinate clause?

a)

A sentence that makes sense on its own.

b)

A clause (subject and verb) that starts with a subordinating conjunction. It DOESN'T make sense on its own.

c)

Contains a coordinating conjunction

d)

Has to include an adverb

10.

Which of these sentences is a complex sentence?

a)

Mr. Barrett loves cheese.

b)

It was raining so I wore a coat.

c)

I was a little bit tired but I still tried my best.

d)

Although the clouds were grey, it didn't rain.

11.

Which of these sentences are complex sentences? There may be more than 1.

a)

When will we be back in class?

b)

Because his students worked hard, Mr. Barrett gave them all dojos!

c)

The students lined up on the field after the whistle had been blown.

d)

I was very proud of my work but I forgot to submit it!

12.

Jenny wanted to buy a new guitar but she didn't have enough money.

a)

simple sentence

b)

Compound sentence

c)

Complex sentence

13.

I was really thirsty.

a)

simple sentence

b)

compound sentence

c)

complex sentence

14.

The students have to stay inside because it was raining.

a)

simple sentence

b)

compound sentence

c)

complex sentence

15.

As birds circled above, the sun smiled down with happiness.

a)

simple sentence

b)

compound sentence

c)

complex sentence

16.

Spot the coordinating conjunction (FANBOY)


The rock star jumped onstage and he began singing wildly.

a)

and

b)

jumped

c)

wildly

d)

he

17.

Spot the coordinating conjunction (FANBOY)


Tidy your room or you won't be getting any pocket money!

a)

you

b)

or

c)

be

d)

tidy

18.

Spot the subordinating conjunction


As the athlete began the last lap, he began to tire.

a)

began

b)

he

c)

the

d)

as

19.

Spot the subordinating conjunction


The cake began to topple over because it wasn't straight.

a)

because

b)

topple

c)

straight

d)

over

20.

Where should the comma go in the following sentence?


If you want to improve try your hardest.

a)

after IF

b)

after YOU

c)

after IMPROVE

d)

after TRY