Compound And Complex Sentences Worksheet

By | January 20, 2026

Grammar instruction can often feel like a chore, especially when it comes to tackling complex sentence structures. But mastering compound and complex sentences is crucial for developing clear, concise, and engaging writing. These sentence types allow you to express more nuanced ideas, show relationships between thoughts, and create more sophisticated and interesting prose. To help students conquer these grammar challenges, we’ve created a comprehensive Compound and Complex Sentences Worksheet. This worksheet focuses on identifying and constructing both types of sentences, providing ample opportunities for practice and reinforcement.

Our worksheet starts with a clear and concise explanation of what constitutes a compound sentence (two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, a semicolon, or a conjunctive adverb) and a complex sentence (an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses). We provide examples of each type of sentence, highlighting the key components and grammatical markers that distinguish them. This initial explanation serves as a solid foundation upon which students can build their understanding.

The worksheet then progresses to a series of exercises designed to test and solidify understanding. These exercises include:

  • Identifying whether a sentence is simple, compound, or complex.
  • Combining simple sentences to create compound sentences, using appropriate conjunctions or punctuation.
  • Adding dependent clauses to simple sentences to create complex sentences, using subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.
  • Identifying the independent and dependent clauses within a complex sentence.
  • Rewriting sentences to change them from simple to compound or complex, and vice-versa.

By working through these varied exercises, students gain practical experience in identifying and constructing compound and complex sentences. They learn to recognize the different ways in which clauses can be combined and to choose the most appropriate sentence structure to convey their intended meaning. The worksheet provides ample space for students to write their answers directly on the page, making it easy to complete and review. Furthermore, a comprehensive answer key is included, allowing students to check their work and identify areas where they need further practice.

This worksheet isn’t just about rote memorization of grammar rules. It’s about empowering students to become more confident and effective writers. By understanding how compound and complex sentences work, students can add variety to their writing, express more complex ideas, and engage their readers more effectively. So, dive in, explore the world of compound and complex sentences, and watch your writing skills soar!

Compound and Complex Sentences Worksheet – Answer Key

Below is the answer key to the Compound and Complex Sentences Worksheet. This is intended to be a guide to help students check their work and understand the concepts. In some cases, alternative correct answers may exist, particularly when combining simple sentences into compound or complex sentences. The most important thing is that the resulting sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning.

Part 1: Identifying Sentence Types

Determine whether each sentence is simple, compound, or complex.

  1. Simple
  2. Compound
  3. Complex
  4. Complex
  5. Compound
  6. Simple
  7. Complex
  8. Compound
  9. Simple
  10. Complex

Part 2: Combining Sentences to Create Compound Sentences

Combine the following simple sentences to create compound sentences, using appropriate conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) or semicolons.

  1. The dog barked loudly, and the cat ran away.
  2. I wanted to go to the party, but I was too tired.
  3. We could go to the movies, or we could stay home and watch TV.
  4. She didn’t study for the test, nor did she do the homework.
  5. He was hungry, for he hadn’t eaten all day.
  6. The traffic was terrible, so we were late for the meeting.
  7. The weather was beautiful, yet we decided to stay indoors.
  8. The cake looked delicious; I couldn’t resist taking a bite.
  9. He practiced the piano every day, and he became a skilled musician.
  10. She finished her work early; she could relax for the rest of the afternoon.

Part 3: Creating Complex Sentences

Add a dependent clause to each simple sentence to create a complex sentence. Use subordinating conjunctions (after, although, as, because, before, if, since, than, that, though, unless, until, when, where, while) or relative pronouns (who, whom, which, that, whose).

  1. After the rain stopped, the sun came out.
  2. Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
  3. If you study hard, you will pass the test.
  4. While he was driving, he listened to music.
  5. The book that I borrowed from the library was very interesting.
  6. The man who helped me was very kind.
  7. Although it was cold, we went for a walk.
  8. Since he moved to a new city, he has made many new friends.
  9. The house where I grew up is now a bookstore.
  10. Before you leave, please turn off the lights.

Part 4: Identifying Clauses in Complex Sentences

Identify the independent and dependent clauses in each complex sentence.

  1. Independent Clause: I will go to the store. Dependent Clause: If I have time.
  2. Independent Clause: The bird sang beautifully. Dependent Clause: While it perched on the branch.
  3. Independent Clause: She passed the exam. Dependent Clause: Because she studied hard.
  4. Independent Clause: He went to bed early. Dependent Clause: Although he wasn’t tired.
  5. Independent Clause: We can go to the park. Dependent Clause: After we finish our homework.

Part 5: Rewriting Sentences

Rewrite each sentence as requested. (Note: There might be multiple correct answers).

  1. Original: The cat sat on the mat. (Rewrite as Compound) Answer: The cat sat on the mat, and the dog slept nearby.
  2. Original: Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (Rewrite as Simple) Answer: We stayed inside due to the rain.
  3. Original: She wanted to go to the beach, but it was too cold. (Rewrite as Complex) Answer: Although she wanted to go to the beach, it was too cold.
  4. Original: He is a good student. (Rewrite as Complex) Answer: Because he studies hard, he is a good student.
  5. Original: If you want to succeed, you must work hard. (Rewrite as Compound) Answer: You must work hard, or you will not succeed.

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