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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > English Language Arts

Complex Sentence Practice Quiz

Enhance grammar skills with guided examples

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 7
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting a Complex Sentence Challenge trivia quiz for high school students.

This 20‑question quiz helps you understand what makes a complex sentence and choose it in each question. You'll practice finding the main and dependent clause, fix common mix‑ups with simple and compound sentences, and build speed for class or exams.

Which of the following sentences is a complex sentence?
The cat slept on the couch.
But he ran fast.
I will go to the store, and I will buy milk.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
The sentence 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.' contains a dependent clause ('Although it was raining') and an independent clause ('we went for a walk'), making it a complex sentence. The other options are either simple or compound sentences without a subordinate clause.
What is a dependent clause?
A clause that always comes after the main clause.
A clause that only contains a subject and a verb with no modifiers.
A clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
A clause that expresses a complete thought independently.
A dependent clause does not express a complete thought and relies on an independent clause to form a complete sentence. It is typically introduced by a subordinating conjunction.
Identify the subordinating conjunction in the sentence 'She left after the show ended.'
left
She
ended
after
The word 'after' is the subordinating conjunction that introduces the dependent clause in the sentence. It links the clause 'after the show ended' to the main clause 'She left.'
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a complex sentence?
It contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.
It expresses a complete thought through its main clause.
It always contains at least one subordinate clause.
It has one dependent clause.
A complex sentence is defined by having one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, not two independent clauses. Option C describes a compound sentence, not a complex sentence.
What purpose does a subordinate clause serve in a complex sentence?
It always forms a complete sentence on its own.
It makes the sentence shorter and more concise.
It provides additional details or context to the main clause.
It serves as the primary subject of the sentence.
A subordinate clause adds extra detail or context, such as time or reason, to the main clause of a sentence. It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Which part of the sentence 'Before the sun rose, the birds began to sing' is the dependent clause?
the birds began to sing
rose
Before the sun rose
Before the sun
The phrase 'Before the sun rose' is the dependent clause because it sets a time context and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. The remaining part is the independent clause expressing the main action.
Choose the correctly punctuated complex sentence.
Because, it was late we decided to head home.
Because it was late, we decided to head home.
Because it was late we decided, to head home.
Because it was late we decided to head home.
The sentence in Option B is correctly punctuated, placing a comma after the dependent clause when it precedes the independent clause. This clarifies the sentence structure by properly separating the clauses.
Which of the following sentences is complex?
Although she enjoys reading, she also writes poetry.
She enjoys reading and writes poetry.
She enjoys reading, she also writes poetry.
She enjoys reading but writes poetry.
Option B is a complex sentence because it begins with a dependent clause introduced by 'Although' and is followed by an independent clause. The other options are either compound or simple sentences lacking a clear subordinate structure.
In a complex sentence, which role does the subordinate clause typically perform?
It functions as a complete sentence by itself.
It serves as a connecting word between two sentences.
It adds supplementary information or modifies the main clause.
It states the main idea.
The subordinate clause in a complex sentence provides additional information about the main clause, such as time, reason, or condition. It cannot stand independently and depends on the main clause for complete meaning.
Which sentence correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to form a complex sentence?
The play was amazing, the actors, because were talented.
Since the weather was cold, we wore our coats.
He ran quickly he caught the bus.
We enjoyed the movie, but the ending was confusing.
Option B properly forms a complex sentence with the subordinating conjunction 'Since' introducing the dependent clause. This structure clearly links the condition to the main clause with appropriate punctuation.
When combining two independent ideas into a complex sentence, which strategy is most appropriate?
Employing a subordinating conjunction to link the ideas.
Simply placing one idea after the other without conjunctions.
Separating the ideas with a semicolon.
Using a coordinating conjunction like 'and.'
A complex sentence requires a subordinating conjunction to turn one independent clause into a dependent clause. This method clarifies the relationship between the ideas, unlike coordinating conjunctions or semicolons which create compound sentences.
Which sentence best demonstrates the transformation of a simple sentence into a complex sentence?
I walked to school because I missed the bus.
I walked to school.
I walked to school, and I caught the bus.
I walked to school; I missed my ride.
Option B transforms a simple sentence by adding the subordinate clause 'because I missed the bus.' This introduces a reason, converting it into a complex sentence. The other options either remain simple or form compound structures.
In the sentence 'While the rain poured, the streets became flooded,' what is the function of the clause 'While the rain poured'?
It serves as a relative clause describing 'the streets'.
It functions as an adverbial dependent clause providing a time reference.
It indicates a condition for the streets becoming flooded.
It acts as an independent clause that stands alone.
The clause 'While the rain poured' is an adverbial dependent clause that sets a time frame for the main clause. It cannot stand alone, and it effectively modifies the main clause by providing context.
Which of the following sentences is NOT complex?
Although the road was closed, he found another way.
When the bell rings, students must go to class.
Because he was tired, he went to bed early.
She sings beautifully, yet she prefers to remain silent.
Option B is a compound sentence because it connects two independent clauses with the coordinating conjunction 'yet.' The other options each have a dependent clause that makes them complex sentences.
Which subordinating conjunction can be used to indicate contrast in a complex sentence?
because
although
if
when
The subordinating conjunction 'although' is used to introduce a clause that presents a contrasting idea to the main clause. The other options serve different purposes, such as indicating reason, condition, or time.
Which sentence exemplifies the proper use of both a relative and an adverbial subordinate clause in one complex sentence?
The book that he lent me was fascinating because it was filled with adventure.
He lent me a book; it was fascinating because it was adventurous.
He read a fascinating book, and he lent it to me.
The fascinating book he lent me was filled with adventure.
Option A is a complex sentence that includes both a relative clause ('that he lent me') and an adverbial clause ('because it was filled with adventure'). This combination enriches the sentence by providing descriptive detail and a reason. The other options do not demonstrate both types of subordinate clauses.
In the sentence 'If the weather improves and when the store reopens, we can go shopping,' what is the structural issue present?
It misplaces the subject in the dependent clauses.
It uses a subordinating conjunction improperly with a comma.
It combines two subordinate clauses without maintaining parallel structure.
It lacks an independent clause to complete the sentence.
The sentence attempts to combine two conditions using different subordinating conjunctions ('if' and 'when') without proper parallel structure. This results in confusion about the relationship between the conditions and the main clause. A revision is needed to clarify the intended meaning.
Which sentence correctly transforms the compound sentence 'She wrote her essay, and she reviewed it thoroughly' into a complex sentence?
She wrote her essay, although she reviewed it thoroughly.
She wrote her essay because she reviewed it thoroughly.
She wrote her essay while she reviewed it thoroughly.
After writing her essay, she reviewed it thoroughly.
Option B restructures the sentence by using 'After writing her essay' as a dependent clause, leading into the main clause 'she reviewed it thoroughly.' This technique converts a compound sentence into a complex sentence with clear temporal context.
Select the revised version that corrects the comma splice in the sentence 'The writer edited his work, he submitted it for publication.'
The writer edited his work and he submitted it for publication.
Edited his work, he submitted it for publication.
The writer edited his work before he submitted it for publication.
The writer edited his work; he submitted it for publication.
Option A eliminates the comma splice by introducing the subordinating conjunction 'before,' which connects the two clauses into a single complex sentence. This revision clarifies the sequence of events while correcting the punctuation error.
In creating a complex sentence with multiple subordinate clauses, what is the recommended order of clauses to ensure clarity?
Alternate between subordinate and independent clauses in a random order.
Embed the main clause within subordinate clauses for variety.
Place subordinate clauses in the middle of the sentence without commas.
Place subordinate clauses together either at the beginning or end, with the main clause clearly separated.
Option A is the most effective strategy because grouping subordinate clauses either at the beginning or at the end of a sentence emphasizes the main clause. This arrangement improves clarity and maintains a logical flow in complex sentences.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify the components of a complex sentence, including dependent and independent clauses.
  2. Differentiate complex sentences from simple and compound sentences.
  3. Analyze multi-clause structures to determine sentence relationships and functions.
  4. Apply sentence construction techniques to produce well-formed complex sentences.

Free: Which of the Following Is Complex Sentence Cheat Sheet

  1. Define a Complex Sentence - A complex sentence has an independent clause plus one or more dependent clauses, so you can weave intricate ideas into one flowing thought. Use this structure to pack in details without sounding choppy!
  2. Spot Dependent Clauses - Dependent clauses begin with words like "because," "although," or "when" and can't stand alone. They're the sidekicks that give your main clause extra flavor!
  3. Comma at the Front - If you kick off your sentence with a dependent clause, pop a comma before the main clause, like "Although it was raining, we went for a walk." It signals readers that there's more coming!
  4. No Comma Needed - When the dependent clause trails the main clause, ditch the comma unless you're adding a contrasting twist. For example, "We went for a walk although it was raining" keeps things smooth.
  5. Conjunction Roster - Stock your toolbox with subordinating conjunctions like "after," "since," "unless," and "while." They're the glue that links your ideas in a complex sentence.
  6. Mix Sentence Types - Balancing simple, compound, and complex sentences spices up your writing. Variety keeps readers engaged and helps your points pack a punch!
  7. Practice Makes Perfect - Regularly combine independent and dependent clauses in exercises. The more you play, the faster you'll build complex sentences with confidence.
  8. Show Relationships - Use complex sentences to highlight cause and effect, contrast, or timing. This helps your reader follow your logic like a pro sleuth.
  9. Balance is Key - Don't go overboard with complex sentences, or you'll tire your reader. Mix in simple and compound forms to keep your paragraphs light and lively.
  10. Review and Refresh - Revisit these tips regularly to lock in your skills. A quick review session can transform confusion into clarity!
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