Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentence Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.3.1.I

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Sentences are the life blood of written thought and communication. Often the grammar and structure are just as important as the information we are sharing. Without proper form, the reader will have difficulty understanding the thoughts of the author. There are many different classifications for sentences. You have the most basic of sentences in the simple sentence which consists of a subject, a verb, and a completed thought. There are sentences that are made up of two independent clauses. These are called compound and contain more than a single predicate or subject. You also have complex sentences that consist of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. This series of worksheets will help students learn to spot these different types of sentences in live practice exercises.

Sentence Worksheets To Print:

Simple and Compound - Define which classification of sentence form is present for each problem. You will write either an (S) or (C) next to each statement based on where it fits.

The Box of Crayons - You will need and red and green crayon to complete this worksheet. You will not need an entire box as the title indicates.

Max, the Turtle - Find all the simple uses in this passage. It spans over two paragraphs. This all happens while we read the story of max the leaf-eating turtle.

Creating Compounds - Build up these simple forms to bigger and brighter things. This helps you construct something that you will take apart later.

Create Compounds 2 - Another language building exercise that will start you off and ask you to expand.

Write Compound Forms Correctly - Check to see if these are punctuated correctly. If the punctuation is incorrect, write the correct punctuation.

Simple & Complex Balloons - If the sentences below are simple, Color the balloon blue. If they are compound, Color the balloon red.

Complex Form - When the light came on, the students went to the beach. Provide any independent clause that you would think is necessary.

Let's Go to the Beach! - The following are common conjunctions. Use these conjunctions to fill in the blanks below.

Create Complex Examples - Make sure that you use a combination of a dependent clause and an independent clause.

Teddy's Simple and Compound Sentences - This will ask you to classify the type that is present in each statement.

Is This Simple, Complex or Compound? - If a sentence is simple, it has only one complete thought. If it is compound, it is made up of two simple sentences and joined by a comma and a conjunction such as: and, or, but.

Which Is It? - For each of the sentences below, determine if it is a simple or compound sentence. There is a chart on the top of the page to help you best match it.

The Party - These statements (that all relate to a party, of sorts) are all in simple form. You are asked to provide a compound form.

The Mouse and the Cheese - The mouse is pretty busy. Help write his actions in a compound form.

What are the Differences between Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences?


A sentence refers to the collection of words that are assembled in a way to make complete or logical sense. Varying upon the length, a sentence must have a subject and predicate. Depending upon the type, there are three major types of sentences divided on the basis of their structures including:


- Simple
- Compound
- Complex


What Is Simple Form?


A simple sentence is an independent clause. It has a subject and verb, sometimes an object or compliment are also involved. The subject refers to who or what the subject or thing is whereas, the verb, object or complement represents the predicate. A simple sentence is concise and has its subject and predicate.

For example, She looks gorgeous, she laughed.


What Is A Compound Sentence?


A compound sentence is constructed by joining or connecting two or more simple sentences together. These simple sentences can be joined with the help of comma or coordinating conjunctions.

For example, She is gorgeous, and she is confident. (The sentences are connected with a comma and coordinating conjunction)


What Is A Complex Sentence?


A complex sentence is formed by joining or connecting one simple sentence (independent clause) with one or more subordinating clause (dependent sentences). A subordinate clause means a sentence that depends upon an independent clause to give a proper meaning or sense.

For example, She laughs when she is happy (Independent clause + dependent clause)


This Table Is a Quick Summary:

SIMPLE COMPOUND COMPLEX
Compound subjects, compound verbs, and prepositional phrases are used to lengthen the sentences. Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect the sentences. Complex sentences are formed by connecting the sentences through subordinate conjunctions.
A simple sentence is an independent clause which can be used on its own. Compound sentences are made of two or more simple sentences to provide clear meaning. Complex sentences are formed by connecting one dependent and one independent clause. If the complex sentence start from a dependent clause put a comma to separate both clauses. If it starts from independent do not use comma to separate the clause.
Simple sentences can be used to piece together to form the compound or complex form. Compound sentences are formed to specify the connecting relationship between two simple sentences. These are periodic sentences which gives a complete logical sense when both clauses are connected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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