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

Which type of sentence is this?

After a parrotfish eats algae-covered coral, the coral travels through the fish's digestive system, and then it is deposited in the reef as white coral sand.

simple

compound

complex

compound-complex

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Learn with an example

question

Which type of sentence is this?

As Dustin sat down on the rickety old chair, it abruptly collapsed beneath him.

simple

compound

complex

compound-complex

key idea

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

An independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is not a complete thought and 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 the flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard a rumble of thunder.

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause in a complex sentence usually begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun. Subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. Relative pronouns include that, which, who, whom, or whose.

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

During his trip to Italy, Tony visited the Trevi Fountain, which is in Rome.

A compound-complex sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

After Samantha left work, she stopped at the bank, and then she went to the gym.

Sometimes a dependent clause in a complex or compound-complex sentence can interrupt an independent clause.

Orcas that are kept in captivity often have bent dorsal fins.

solution

The sentence is complex. It is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause begins with the subordinating conjunction as.

As Dustin sat down on the rickety old chair, it abruptly collapsed beneath him.

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Work it out

Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

GG.3Identify dependent and independent clauses

PP.2Identify coordinating conjunctions

PP.3Identify subordinating conjunctions

FF.9Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?

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