English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?
Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a simple sentence and identify its key component (one independent clause).
Define a compound sentence and identify its key components (two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction).
Define a complex sentence and identify its key components (one independent clause and at least one dependent clause).
Differentiate between an independent clause and a dependent clause.
Identify the coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) used to join compound sentences.
Analyze a given sentence and correctly label it as simple, compound, or complex.
Explain their reasoning for classifying a sentence as simple, compound, or complex.
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA group of words that has a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought.The dog barked loudly.
Dependent ClauseA group of words that has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a sentence. It needs an independent clause to make sense and often starts with a word like 'because', 'since', 'after', or 'while'.because it saw a squirrel
Simple SentenceA sentence that has only one independent clause.The students finished their homework.
Compound SentenceA sentence made of two independent clauses joined together by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.She wanted to play outside, but it was raining.
Complex SentenceA sentence made of one independent clause an...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Simple Sentence Formula
1 Independent Clause = Simple Sentence
If you find just one complete thought (one subject-verb pair that makes sense on its own), you have a simple sentence. It can have extra phrases, but only one core clause.
The Compound Sentence Formula
Independent Clause + , + FANBOYS + Independent Clause = Compound Sentence
Look for two complete sentences joined by a comma and a word from FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So). Each part could be its own sentence.
The Complex Sentence Formula
1 Independent Clause + 1 (or more) Dependent Clause(s) = Complex Sentence
Look for a complete thought combined with a thought that can't stand alone. The dependent clause often starts with a subordinating conjunction like 'because', 'while...
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Challenging
Analyze the sentence: 'The girl who won the race is my best friend.' What type of sentence is this and why?
A.Complex, because 'who won the race' is a dependent clause describing the girl.
B.Simple, because it only has one main idea.
C.Compound, because it has two verbs, 'won' and 'is'.
D.Simple, because 'who won the race' is just a descriptive phrase.
Challenging
A student says, 'The sentence 'I ran fast, but I missed the bus' is complex because it has the word 'but'.' Is the student's reasoning correct?
A.Yes, 'but' is a word that creates complex sentences.
B.No, the sentence is compound because 'but' is a FANBOYS conjunction joining two independent clauses.
C.Yes, the sentence is complex, but for a different reason.
D.No, the sentence is simple because it's about one person.
Challenging
You have two independent clauses: 1) 'The game was exciting.' 2) 'Our team lost.' How could you combine these to create one complex sentence?
A.The game was exciting, and our team lost.
B.The game was exciting, but our team lost.
C.Although the game was exciting, our team lost.
D.The game was exciting; our team lost.
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