English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Is the sentence simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex?
Is the sentence simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex?
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define and identify an independent clause.
Define and identify a dependent clause.
Distinguish between simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.
Identify coordinating and subordinating conjunctions and explain their roles.
Analyze sentence structure to determine its type.
Construct sentences of varying types for specific communicative purposes.
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In this lesson, you'll learn to identify the four main types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Understanding these structures will help you write more clearly, express complex ideas, and better a...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb, expresses a complete thought, and can stand alone as a complete sentence.The dog barked loudly.
Dependent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does NOT express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. It usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.Because the dog barked loudly...
Coordinating ConjunctionWords that connect two independent clauses or other grammatically equal elements. (Remember FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So)and, but, so
Subordinating ConjunctionWords that introduce a dependent clause and connect it to an independent clause, showing a relationship like cause, time, or condition.because, although, while, if, when
Simple Sentence...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Simple Sentence Rule
One Independent Clause (IC)
To identify a simple sentence, look for a single subject-verb pair that forms a complete thought and doesn't have any dependent clauses or other independent clauses joined to it.
The Compound Sentence Rule
Two or More Independent Clauses (IC + IC)
To identify a compound sentence, look for two or more complete thoughts (independent clauses) joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) with a comma, or by a semicolon.
The Complex Sentence Rule
One Independent Clause + One or More Dependent Clauses (IC + DC)
To identify a complex sentence, look for one main complete thought (independent clause) and at least one incomplete thought (dependent clause) that starts with a subordinating conjunction.
The Compound-...
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Challenging
Consider the simple sentence: 'The dog barked at the squirrel.' Which of the following changes would convert it into a compound sentence?
A.The dog, which was very loud, barked at the squirrel.
B.The dog barked at the squirrel, and the squirrel ran up a tree.
C.Because it saw a squirrel, the dog barked loudly.
D.The dog barked and chased the squirrel up a tree.
Challenging
Which of the following sentences is compound-complex?
A.The library, which is downtown, is my favorite place to study.
B.I like to read, but my brother prefers to play sports.
C.When the storm passed, the sun came out, and we went outside to play.
D.Running through the park and playing on the swings are my favorite summer activities.
Challenging
What type of sentence is the following: 'While researching her topic, the student found a useful article; it provided all the information she needed.'?
A.Simple
B.Compound
C.Complex
D.Compound-Complex
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