Student Reference Page

Worksheet: Understanding Simple Sentences

Worksheet: Sentence or Fragment?
Worksheet: Understanding Compound Sentences
Worksheet: Combining Simple Sentences into Compound Sentences (front)
Worksheet: Combining Simple Sentences into Compound Sentences (back)
Worksheet: Understanding Complex Sentences
Worksheet: Writing Complex Sentences (front)
Worksheet: Writing Complex Sentences (back)
Worksheet: Understanding Parts of a Sentence (front)
Worksheet: Understanding Parts of a Sentence (back)
Worksheet: Identifying Sentence Structures – simple, compound, complex (front)
Worksheet: Identifying Sentence Structures – simple, compound, complex (back)
Worksheet: Understanding Compound-Complex Sentences
Worksheet: Identifying Sentence Structures
ANSWER KEYS
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KEY TERMS
* Subject – the topic of a sentence
* Predicate – the action word in the sentence
* Independent clause – a group of words with one subject and one verb that form a
complete thought (this is a complete sentence)
* Dependent clause – a groups of words with a subject and verb that do not form a
complete thought (this is not a sentence)
* Conjunction – a part of speech that links together words and phrases
EXAMPLE
Since she forgot it at home, Jane asked her mom to bring her homework to school,
but her mom was at work.
Subject: Jane, mom
Predicate: asked her mom to bring her homework to school, was at work
Independent clause: Jane asked her mom to bring her homework to school, her mom was
at work
Dependent clause: Since she forgot it at home
Conjunction: but

TYPES OF SENTENCE STRUCTURES

A simple sentence is a single independent clause without any dependent clauses.
EXAMPLE: They watched a movie.
Subject: They
Predicate: watched a movie
A compound sentence has multiple independent clauses (IC) and no dependent clauses.
Compound sentences are held together by a conjunction.
EXAMPLE: They watched a movie, and she read a book.
IC: They watched a movie, she read a book
Conjunction: and
A complex sentence has one independent clause (IC) and at least one dependent
clause (DC).
EXAMPLE: Before she watched the movie in the theater, she read the book.
IC: she read the book
DC: Before she watched the movie in the theater
A compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses (IC) joined with a
conjunction & at least one dependent clause (DC).
EXAMPLE: Even though I love books, I didn’t like that one, but I still read the
entire thing.
IC: I didn’t like that one, I still read the entire thing
DC: Even though I love books
Conjunction: but

UNDERSTANDING SIMPLE SENTENCES

Subject – the topic of a sentence
Predicate – the action word in the sentence
Independent clause – a group of words with one subject and one verb that form a
complete thought (this is a complete sentence.
EXAMPLE
My mother made a grocery list.
subject predicate
Directions: In order to be a simple sentence, the sentence must have one
subject and one predicate. For each sentence, underline the subject and highlight
the predicate.

1. Stella had a lot of fun on the slide.

2. My sister loves going to the park.
3. I cooked lasagna for dinner.
4. She waited in line.
5. The yellow ball bounces really high.
6. The neighbor’s cat loves to sit in the window.
7. The young boy watched a movie.
8. Five small puppies play in the yard.
9. I went for a walk.
10. She slept on the couch.
11. The monkey ate a banana.
12. The computer broke last night.
13. Michael bought a deck of playing cards.
14. The light burnt out.
15. An earthquake rattled the city.
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SENTENCE OR FRAGMENT
Subject – the topic of a sentence
Predicate – the action word in the sentence
Independent clause – a group of words with one subject and one verb that form a
complete thought (this is a complete sentence.
Simple Sentence (Independent Clause) Fragment
My mother likes to read books in the afternoon. When my mother reads books.
subject predicate (incomplete thought)

Directions: Determine if the statement is a simple sentence or a dependent clause

(an incomplete sentence). In the space provided, write “S” for a sentence if it is
a sentence, and write “I” for incomplete if the sentence is incomplete.

1.
S
The line at the grocery store was very long.
2.
S
She likes pizza.
3.
I
 After waiting in line for three hours to ride the roller coaster.
4.
S
The birthday party will be a lot of fun.
5.
I
When I graduate from high school.
6.
I
Once the children are done playing.
7.
S
The baseball player threw the ball.
8.
S
The clouds in the sky look rather ominous.
9.
I
Before the football teams practice each day after school.
10.
I
Once upon a time in a land far, far away.
11.
S
He fell off his bike.
12.
S
The kids baked a cake for their friends.
13.
I
After reading the entire book.
14.
I
Whenever we go to the amusement park with our best friends.
15.
S
He fell.
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UNDERSTANDING COMPOUND SENTENCES

Subject – the topic of a sentence
Predicate – the action word in the sentence
Independent clause – a group of words with one subject and one verb that form a
complete thought (this is a complete sentence)
Conjunction - a word that links together words, phrases, or ideas.
Compound sentence – a sentence with 2 independent clauses joined together by a
conjunction
EXAMPLE
Cark washed the laundry, and Emily folded it.
S predicate S predicate
Dogs make great pets; they are loyal and loving.
S predicate S predicate

Directions: For each compound sentence, highlight the subject in yellow and
highlight the predicate in green.
 1. I like chocolate ice cream, but my best friend prefers vanilla.
2. I forgot to put on sunscreen, and I got a terrible sunburn.
3. Claudia auditioned for the band, and Gregory auditioned for the choir.
4. Sugar cookies are my favorite; my sister likes chocolate chip cookies.
5. She did not cheat on the test, for it was the moral thing to do.
6. I want a red car, but I would also like a blue one.
7. Jake made sugar cookies; Aubrey decorated them.
8. They got there early, and they got really good seats.
9. It is starting to get dark, and we are not even there yet.
10. I have never been to Europe, nor have I been to Asia.
11. He didn’t want to go to the dentist, but he went anyway.
12. She only paints with pastel colors; she does not like bold colors.
13. The sky is clear; the moon is shining brightly.
14. We are going on vacation, but we can only stay for three days.
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COMBINING SIMPLE SENTENCES INTO COMPOUND SENTENCES

A simple sentence is a single independent clause without any dependent clauses.

EXAMPLE: They watched a movie. She read a book.

Subject: They Subject: She
Predicate: watched a movie Predicate: read a book

A compound sentence has multiple independent clauses (IC) and no dependent clauses.
Compound sentences are held together by a conjunction or semicolon.

EXAMPLE: They watched a movie, and she read a book.

IC: They watched a movie, she read a book
Conjunction: and
Directions: Combine the two simple sentences to form a compound sentence.

1. The two young children were at the beach.

They found seashells and sand dollars in the sand.
The two young children were at the beach, and they found seashells and sand dollars
in the sand.

2. My favorite season is Spring.

I also like Summer.
My favorite season is Spring, and I also like Summer.

3. We can go to the movie theater.

We can go to the beach.
We can go to the movie theater, or we can go to the beach.

4. Suzy wants to wear her new red shirt amd

She cannot find her shirt anywhere.
Suzy wants to wear her new red shirt, and she cannot find her shirt anywhere.

5. My favorite food is spaghetti.

I do not like parmesan cheese on my spaghetti.
My favorite food is spaghetti, but I do not like parmesan cheese on my spaghetti.

6. The sixth graders are going to Florida this year.

Last year the class went to Wyoming.
The sixth graders are going to Florida this year, and last year the class went to
Wyoming.

7. Carolyn is reading a book.

Carlos is writing a book.
Carolyn is reading a book, and Carlos is writing a book.

8. The tree swayed in the wind.

It looked like it was dancing.
The tree swayed in the wind, and it looked like it was dancing.

9. I love chewing gum.

I do not like cinnamon-flavored gum.
I love chewing gum, but I do not like cinnamon-flavored gum.

10. The batter missed the ball twice.

She hit a homerun on the third pitch.
The batter missed the ball twice, but she hit a homerun on the third pitch.

WRITE YOUR OWN: Write your own compound sentences. Be sure to highlight each
subject in yellow and each predicate in green.

1. I like soccer, but not basketball

2. I ate noodles, and he ate rice
3. I hate fish, but he does not
4. I love Apple, but I hate Motorola
5. He is good at soccer, but I am not.

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UNDERSTANDING COMPLEX SENTENCES

Subject – the topic of a sentence
Predicate – the action word in the sentence
Independent clause – a group of words with one subject and one verb that form a
complete thought (this is a complete sentence)
Dependent clause – a groups of words with a subject and verb that do not form a
complete thought (this is not a sentence)
Complex sentence – a sentence with a dependent clause and an independent clause.
EXAMPLES
Before going to the store, my mother always makes a grocery list.
dependent clause independent clause

She believed in fairy tales when she was a young girl.

Independent clause dependent clause
Directions: Read each complex sentence. Highlight the dependent clause in
aqua and highlight the independent clause in yellow.

1. Because my cocoa was too cold, I microwaved it for 30 seconds.

2. Even though she is very rich, she is still unhappy.

3. The book, though it was very long, was still very good.

4. After Evelyn studied all night for the exam, she earned an A.

5. People buy less when prices go up.

6. Even though it was only a supporting role, the actor was happy to have a
part in the film.

7. The museum was as interesting as I had hoped.

8. The children will play in the sprinklers once they are out of school for
summer vacation.

9. I want to go to the mall today because I need to purchase a new shirt.

10. While she waited at the bus station, Mary realized the bus was late.

11. After they left school, Sam and Lily went to get frozen yogurt.

12. The puppy, even though she is still very young, is well-trained.

13. Because Raphael turned in his assignment late, his teacher lowered his
grade.
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WRITING COMPLEX SENTENCES

Subject – the topic of a sentence

Predicate – the action word in the sentence
Independent clause – a group of words with one subject and one verb that form a
complete thought (this is a complete sentence)
Dependent clause – a groups of words with a subject and verb that do not form a
complete thought (this is not a sentence)
Complex sentence – a sentence with a dependent clause and an independent clause.
Directions: Turn each dependent clause into a complete, complex sentence by
finishing the thought. Don’t forget to punctuate the sentences.

EXAMPLE
Before she washed her hair in the evening…
Before she washed her hair in the evening, she checked to see if she had enough
shampoo.

1. As the young girl sat on the park bench

As the young girl sat on the park bench, she scrolled through her phone.

2. While the choir sang the song

While the choir sang the song, the audience sat there silently.

3. Whenever I go to the store

Whenever I go to the store, I buy chips.

4. Because the heater is broken

Because the heater is broken, we are cold.

5. If he answers all the questions correctly

If he answers all the questions correctly, he will ace the test.

6. After the teacher graded the essays

After the teacher graded the essays, she ate dinner.

7. Whenever the phone rings

Whenever the phone rings, he picks it up.

8. As the baseball team warmed up

As the baseball team warmed up, I cheered for my friend.
9. Because the team lost its game
Because the team lost its game, they are sad.

10. Since my favorite food is Mexican

Since my favorite food is Mexican, I like tacos.

11. While we wait for school to start

While we wait for school to start, we walk around.

12. As she locked the front door

As she locked the front door, she came inside the house

13. Since the small boy did poorly in preschool

Since the small boy did poorly in preschool, he got held back.l

14. After Diego bought a new computer

After Diego bought a new computer

15. Once the dog learns some new tricks

Once the dog learns some new tricks, he will get smarter.

16. Although it is already past their bedtime

Although it is already past their bedtime, they were eating popcorn.

17. Because I love the color red so much

Because I love the color red so much, I bought a red shirt.

18. Before Shelby counted her birthday money

Before Shelby counted her birthday money, she played soccer for a bit.
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UNDERSTANDING THE PARTS OF A SENTENCES

Subject – the topic of a sentence

Predicate – the action word in the sentence
Independent clause – a group of words with one subject and one verb that form a
complete thought (this is a complete sentence)
Dependent clause – a groups of words with a subject and verb that do not form a
complete thought (this is not a sentence)
Conjunction – a part of speech that links together words and phrases
EXAMPLE
Since she forgot it at home, Jane asked her mom to bring her homework to school,
but her mom was at work.
Subject: Jane, mom
Predicate: asked her mom to bring her homework to school, was at work
Independent clause: Jane asked her mom to bring her homework to school, her mom was
at work
Dependent clause: Since she forgot it at home
Conjunction: but

Directions: Read each sentence and then identify its subject, conjunction,
predicate, independent clause, and dependent clause. If there is no conjunction
write NONE.

1. Since Leslie forgot to set her alarm, she was late to school.
Subject

Conjunction

Predicate

Independent Clause

Dependent Clause

2. After he ate a gigantic bowl of ice cream, the small boy had a stomach ache.
Subject
 Conjunction

Predicate

Independent Clause

Dependent Clause

3. Tomorrow’s math test is going to be difficult, so I will study tonight.

Subject

Conjunction

Predicate

Independent Clause

Dependent Clause

4. Even though Benson reads novels, Olivia prefers comics.

Subject

Conjunction

Predicate

Independent Clause

Dependent Clause

5. Many people enjoy soccer; however, Jenna does not.

Subject

Conjunction

Predicate
 Independent Clause

Dependent Clause

6. When she was younger, Lucy wanted to be a veterinarian.

Subject

Conjunction

Predicate

Independent Clause

Dependent Clause

7. Although it was thought to be unsinkable, the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912,
and that forever changed ocean travel and safety.
Subject

Conjunction

Predicate

Independent Clause

Dependent Clause

8. Even though he went to bed early, Wesley slept through his alarm, and he was
late for a big test.
Subject

Conjunction

Predicate

Independent Clause
 Dependent Clause

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IDENTIFYING SENTENCE STRUCTURES - SIMPLE, COMPOUND, COMPLEX

Subject – the topic of a sentence

Predicate – the action word in the sentence
Independent clause – a group of words with one subject and one verb that form a
complete thought (this is a complete sentence)
Dependent clause – a groups of words with a subject and verb that do not form a
complete thought (this is not a sentence)
Conjunction – a part of speech that links together words and phrases
EXAMPLE
Since she forgot it at home, Jane asked her mom to bring her homework to school,
but her mom was at work.
Subject: Jane, mom
Predicate: asked her mom to bring her homework to school, was at work
Independent clause: Jane asked her mom to bring her homework to school, her mom was
at work
Dependent clause: Since she forgot it at home
Conjunction: but

Directions: Read each sentence and label it as a simple, compound, or complex

sentence.

Ex.
compound
We want to go outside today, but the UV Index is too high.
1.

The three girls tried out for the softball team, but only two made varsity.
2.

My brother ate the last piece of chocolate.

3.

George plays baseball, and Ashley golfs.

4.

The baby fell asleep at the park.

5.
While they were at the park, the two small children played.
6.

My friends are going to the movies tonight, but I am grounded.

7.

The boy swims.

8.

The boy swims for the high school swim team.

9.

Since the boy swims for the school’s swim team, he practices every day.
10.

The tree house was destroyed during the hurricane.

11.

The landscape company cuts the grass on Saturdays.

12.

The thunder was very loud, and it woke me up from my nap.

13.

Since I found the movie to be extremely boring, I turned it off.

14.

The wind blew the table over, but the chairs were fine.
15.

She had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch.

16.

While he was sorting the laundry, the child put a red sock in the whites.
17.

I raised my hand to answer the question.

18.

The two children were in a big fight.

19.

I wanted to watch a movie, but Carol insisted on playing a video game.

20.
Once Spanish class was over, Rick and Carl went to history.
21.

My sister is leaving for college in a week.

22.

My sister snowboards; my brother skis.

23.

The new vampire book comes out today.

24.

While Lucy bakes the cake, Owen mixes the frosting.

25.

Jeff, whom we know to be reliable, will be here at 7:30.

26.

As the clock struck midnight, the girl had to return home.

27.

My youngest sister is studying Mandarin and German.

28.

The teacher demanded answers from the unruly students.

29.

Since you already know the ending, please don’t spoil the episode for me.
30.

I tripped; he fell.
31.

The worksheet was really long.

32.

After he completed sentence number 32, the student sighed.

33.

My brother likes shows about zombies, but I like shows about vampires.
34.

The race will be held on Friday, but not everyone will be able to make it.
35.
 It is finally over!

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UNDERSTANDING COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES

Independent clause – a group of words with one subject and one verb that form a
complete thought (this is a complete sentence)
Dependent clause – a groups of words with a subject and verb that do not form a
complete thought (this is not a sentence)
Conjunction (C) – a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses.
Compound-complex sentence – a sentence with a dependent clause and multiple
independent clauses.
EXAMPLES
Before going to the store, my mother makes a grocery list, and I put the reusable
dependent clause independent clause
independent clause
bags in the trunk.

I had a burrito for lunch, but Steven had a sandwich that his mother made for him.
independent clause independent clause dependent clause

Directions: Read each compound-complex sentence. Using the example for reference,
underline the dependent clause, highlight each independent clause, and bold the
conjunction.

1. Lucy knows my name, but she forgot it when she went to introduce me to her
parents.

2. I love eating turkey at Christmas, but my friend’s family eats tamales

because it is tradition.

3. After I put away the dishes, I asked my mom for an allowance, but she said
no.

4. I dislike completing algebraic equations, and I don’t like geometry,

though I love statistics.

5. After Lindsey earned her driver’s license, she drove to school, and she
picked me up.

6. Since both of my parents grew up rather poor, they are thankful for what
they have today, so our family makes it a priority to give back to the community.
 7. While my parents went to the movies, I washed the dishes, and my brother
mowed the lawn.

8. Jeremy is running for student council, but if he wants to win, he will

need to make more posters.

9. Ever since she was a little girl, Jenny dreamed of being a doctor when she
grew up, but as a teenager she is reconsidering her career choices.

10. The school will not fund our club unless we can find a co-sponsor, but I
have no ideas where to look.
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IDENTIFYING SENTENCE STRUCTURES - SIMPLE, COMPOUND, COMPLEX

A simple sentence is a single independent clause without any dependent clauses.

A compound sentence has multiple independent clauses (IC) and no dependent clauses.
Compound sentences are held together by a conjunction.
A complex sentence has one independent clause (IC) and at least one dependent
clause (DC).
A compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses (IC) joined with a
conjunction & at least one dependent clause (DC).

Directions: Read each sentence and label it as a simple (S), compound (CP), complex
(CX), or compound-complex (CC) sentence.

Ex.
S
I have three days until my next test.
1.

For our entrée, we ordered steak and potatoes, but we received Brussels
sprouts instead.
2.

I washed and vacuumed the car.

3.

Mr. Richards assigned ten pages of the novel for homework, but since I read
ahead, I only need to read three pages.
4.

My best friend just got a job, and she said she can get me a discount!
5.
 As the seconds slowly ticked away, the students watched the clock.
6.

We have to go to bed when the clock chimes eleven.

7.

The big dog ran after the red and green ball.
8.

After they ate their lunch, Ted and Eve rode their bicycles, but Eve got a
flat tire.
9.

The band practiced for a long time, but the drummer left early.
10.

Before the Prince rode in the parade, he gave a speech, and he visited the
children’s hospital.
11.

Many brave soldiers fought in the war, and they received medals.
12.

Since it was too hot, she dropped the pan and the plate.
13.

The earthquake nearly destroyed the city.

14.

The aluminums cans go in the recycling bin, and they are collected on
Wednesdays.
15.

The students learned about sentence structure.