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Quizzes > English & Grammar

Types of Sentences Quiz: Simple, Compound, and Complex

Quick, free sentence types test with 20 questions and instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Palak ThakkarUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 5
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting Sentence Structure Showdown, a high school English quiz.

This quiz helps you identify simple, compound, and complex sentences and choose the best structure. Answer 20 quick questions to check clauses and avoid run‑ons while improving clarity. For more practice, try our compound and complex sentences quiz, explore a broader sentence types quiz, or build skills with a sentence structure quiz.

Identify the sentence type: The dog barked.
Complex sentence
Simple sentence
Compound-complex sentence
Compound sentence
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Which coordinating conjunction correctly forms a compound sentence? I wanted to go for a walk, ___ it started to rain.
although
but
while
because
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Identify the sentence type: Although it was late, we kept studying.
Simple sentence
Fragment
Compound sentence
Complex sentence
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Select the sentence that is compound.
She drew a picture, and she colored it.
Drawing a picture while coloring is fun.
She drew a picture and colored it.
Because she drew a picture, coloring was easy.
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Choose the subordinating conjunction that best creates a complex sentence: We canceled the picnic ___ it started to thunder.
because
so
for
nor
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Identify the error: I ran to the store, I forgot my wallet.
Complex sentence
Fragment
Comma splice
Correct compound sentence
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Which sentence avoids a comma splice?
He was tired, he went to bed early.
He was tired; therefore he went to bed early.
He was tired therefore he went to bed early.
He was tired, therefore he went to bed early.
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Identify the sentence type: We will leave when the rain stops.
Simple sentence
Compound sentence
Complex sentence
Run-on sentence
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Select the correctly punctuated compound sentence.
I like chess; but my sister prefers checkers.
I like chess but, my sister prefers checkers.
I like chess my sister prefers checkers, but.
I like chess, but my sister prefers checkers.
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Identify the dependent clause in this sentence: We stayed inside because the wind was strong.
inside because the wind
We stayed inside
the wind was strong
because the wind was strong
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Choose the sentence that is compound-complex.
While I cooked, he set the table, and the kids finished homework.
I cooked dinner, and he set the table.
I cooked dinner and set the table.
While I cooked, he set the table.
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Select the option that correctly fixes the comma splice using only end punctuation (no conjunctions or semicolons): The sun set, the sky turned purple.
Because the sun set, the sky turned purple.
The sun set. The sky turned purple.
The sun set and, the sky turned purple.
The sun set, and the sky turned purple.
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Identify the sentence with parallel independent clauses in a compound structure.
We planned the trip because we booked the hotel.
Because we planned the trip, we booked the hotel.
Planning the trip and booked the hotel.
We planned the trip, and we booked the hotel.
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A complex sentence can contain more than one dependent clause.
False
True
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Choose the sentence with correct comma usage for an introductory dependent clause.
When the bell, rang, we left the room.
When, the bell rang, we left the room.
When the bell rang, we left the room.
When the bell rang we left the room.
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Select the sentence that correctly embeds a relative clause.
The car won the race that is red.
The car, that is red won the race.
The car that is red won the race.
The car which is red, won the race.
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Identify the best fix for a fused sentence (run-on without punctuation): She writes beautifully she seldom shares her work.
She writes beautifully however she seldom shares her work.
She writes beautifully, she seldom shares her work.
She writes beautifully; she seldom shares her work.
She writes beautifully because she seldom shares her work.
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Determine the clause count: Before we leave, although we are ready, we must check the list.
1 independent, 1 dependent
1 independent, 2 dependent
2 independent, 1 dependent
1 independent, 2 dependent clauses
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A compound-complex sentence must include at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
True
False
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Choose the sentence that correctly avoids a comma before a restrictive relative clause.
Students, that study daily improve fastest.
Students, who study daily, improve fastest.
Students who study daily improve fastest.
Students who study daily, improve fastest.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify the characteristics of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
  2. Analyze sentence structures to pinpoint grammatical errors.
  3. Improve sentence clarity by applying proper construction rules.
  4. Create well-formed sentences for academic writing.
  5. Evaluate the effectiveness of sentence construction in varied contexts.

Complex, Simple & Compound Sentence Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand Simple Sentences - A simple sentence is like the first brick in your writing foundation: one independent clause with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought. For example, "The cat sleeps." Mastering simple sentences makes your writing clear and confident.
  2. Recognize Compound Sentences - Compound sentences link two or more independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "so." For example, "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining." Connecting ideas this way keeps your paragraphs flowing smoothly.
  3. Identify Complex Sentences - A complex sentence combines one independent clause with at least one dependent clause, introduced by subordinating conjunctions like "because," "although," or "when." Example: "Although it was raining, we went for a walk." Using them adds depth and detail to your writing.
  4. Use Coordinating Conjunctions Effectively - Remember FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) to join independent clauses in compound sentences. Example: "She was tired, yet she finished her homework." A well‑placed conjunction feels like the perfect handshake between ideas.
  5. Master Subordinating Conjunctions - Words like "because," "since," "unless," and "while" introduce dependent clauses in complex sentences. For instance, "I stayed home because it was raining." These little words show clear relationships between your ideas.
  6. Practice Punctuation in Compound Sentences - Always use a comma before the coordinating conjunction when joining two independent clauses. Example: "I wanted to stay up late, but I was too tired." Proper punctuation keeps your writing crisp and easy to read.
  7. Avoid Run‑On Sentences - Run‑ons cram independent clauses without the right punctuation or conjunctions. Wrong: "I love to write I find it relaxing." Right: "I love to write; I find it relaxing." Spotting and fixing run‑ons sharpens your style instantly.
  8. Vary Sentence Structure - Mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences creates an engaging rhythm in your writing. This variety keeps readers on their toes and highlights your key points with flair.
  9. Combine Sentences for Clarity - Learn to merge short, choppy sentences into compound or complex structures for smoother flow. Instead of "She was hungry. She ate a sandwich." try "She was hungry, so she ate a sandwich." It's like turning Lego bricks into a sleek tower.
  10. Practice Identifying Sentence Types - Regularly quiz yourself on simple, compound, and complex sentences to build intuition. The more you practice, the faster you'll spot structure patterns and boost your writing skills.
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