IXL | Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?

Which is a simple sentence?

According to many scholars, the 1798 publication of Lyrical Ballads by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth began the romantic period in English literature.

First, Tim planted the geraniums in a clay pot, and then he placed the pot on a sunny windowsill in his kitchen.

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Learn with an example

question

Which is a simple sentence?

Loyalty is one of many themes in Charlotte's Web, E. B. White's classic novel.

When the supervisor arrived at the quarry, six dump trucks were in line at the gate.

key idea

A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate.

An independent clause is a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is not a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

the oranges on our tree are ripe

The clause can stand alone. It is independent.

after we pick up Kevin from work

The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent.

A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause.

Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool.

Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate.

In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat.

Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter.

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so.

We saw a flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard the rumble of thunder.

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, or while.

If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids.

solution

The first sentence is the simple sentence. It is a single independent clause.

Loyalty is one of many themes in Charlotte's Web, E. B. White's classic novel.

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Teacher tools

Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

JJ.8Is the sentence simple or compound?

JJ.7Identify dependent and independent clauses

RR.1Identify coordinating conjunctions

RR.2Identify subordinating conjunctions

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