1.
Simple Sentence
A simple sentence has:
One independent clause (a complete thought with a subject + verb)
Can have a single subject or compound subject, single verb or compound
verb
No dependent clauses
Formula:
[Independent Clause]
Examples:
The cat slept.
Maria and Ahmed played football in the park.
✅ Tip: A sentence can be “long” but still simple as long as it has only one dependent
clause.
2. Compound Sentence
A compound sentence has:
Two or more independent clauses
Joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet,
so), a semicolon, or a semicolon + transition word.
Formulas:
[IC] + , + FANBOYS + [IC]
[IC] + ; + [IC]
[IC] + ; + transition word + , + [IC]
Examples:
I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
She loves chocolate; he prefers vanilla.
3. Complex Sentence
A complex sentence has:
One independent clause
At least one dependent (subordinate) clause
The dependent clause starts with a subordinating conjunction (because,
although, if, when, since, etc.) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that).
Formulas:
[Dependent Clause] + , + [Independent Clause]
[Independent Clause] + [Dependent Clause]
Examples:
Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
I will call you when I get home.
4. Compound–Complex Sentence
A compound–complex sentence has:
At least two independent clauses
At least one dependent clause
Formula example:
[Dependent Clause] + , + [IC] + , + FANBOYS + [IC]
or variations with semicolons
Example:
Although I enjoy traveling, I haven’t had much time to do it lately, and I can’t
afford it right now.
She smiled because she was happy, and he waved back.
💡 Why this matters for SAT/ACT/EST:
Sentence type variety improves style in essays.
On reading/grammar questions, knowing these structures helps you spot
run-ons, fragments, and punctuation errors.
📚 Sentence Types – 50 MCQs (SAT/ACT Style)
Part A – Identify the Sentence Type
(Q1–Q20: Identify whether the sentence is simple, compound, complex, or compound–
complex)
1. Although the weather was cold, we decided to go hiking.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
2. The dog barked loudly, and the cat ran under the couch.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
3. She enjoys reading historical novels in her free time.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
4. We visited the museum, but it was closed for renovations.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
5. Since she missed the bus, Maria was late for school.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
6. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing in the trees.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
7. I studied for the test because I wanted to do well, and I passed with a high score.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
8. My brother loves basketball.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
9. The phone rang while I was cooking dinner.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
10. They went to the park, and they played soccer until sunset.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
11. We stayed home because it was raining.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
12. I love music, and my sister loves painting, although we both enjoy traveling.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
13. He worked hard, but he didn’t pass the exam.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
14. After the movie ended, we went out for ice cream.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
15. I ran to the store, but it was closed because of the holiday.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
16. The teacher smiled as the students entered the room.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
17. She speaks French fluently, and she also teaches Spanish.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
18. I didn’t understand the lesson, so I asked the teacher for help, and she explained it
again.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
19. The rain poured heavily during the night.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
20. Because I had studied all week, I felt confident, and I performed well on the test.
A) Simple
B) Compound
C) Complex
D) Compound–Complex
Part B – Choose the Correct Sentence Type for the Context
(Q21–Q35: Choose the sentence that matches the required type)
21. Which of the following is a simple sentence?
A) We missed the bus, so we took a taxi.
B) I enjoy swimming in the morning.
C) Although the weather was bad, we still went out.
D) I like pizza, but my brother prefers pasta.
22. Which of the following is a compound sentence?
A) The garden is beautiful in the spring.
B) I finished my homework before dinner.
C) She plays the piano, and her brother plays the guitar.
D) Whenever I travel, I take many photographs.
23. Which of the following is a complex sentence?
A) I will study tonight, and I will review tomorrow.
B) The students cheered as the team scored the winning goal.
C) I went to the store and bought some bread.
D) I like apples and bananas.
24. Which of the following is a compound–complex sentence?
A) She read a book, and he watched TV.
B) The train was late because of the storm.
C) We stayed inside because it was raining, but the kids still had fun.
D) He likes chocolate.
25. Which is the best example of a compound sentence?
A) She ran to the station because she was late.
B) I like hiking, and I enjoy camping.
C) The cat slept on the sofa.
D) If you see him, tell him to call me.
26. Which sentence is complex?
A) He plays the guitar, and she sings beautifully.
B) She decided to leave early because she felt tired.
C) The wind howled all night.
D) We went to the park, but it started raining.
27. Which sentence is simple?
A) Although it was raining, we went outside.
B) The children played in the garden.
C) I wanted to swim, and my brother wanted to surf.
D) I stayed home because I was sick.
28. Which is a compound–complex sentence?
A) The teacher explained the lesson, and the students listened carefully, while the
principal observed the class.
B) I like mangoes and strawberries.
C) She went to the market because she needed vegetables.
D) The sun is bright today.
29. Which is a complex sentence?
A) We went to the zoo, and we saw lions.
B) I stayed home because I wasn’t feeling well.
C) The dog barked at the stranger.
D) I enjoy sports, but I prefer reading.
30. Which sentence is compound?
A) Because the bus was late, we took a taxi.
B) She loves dancing, and she also enjoys singing.
C) I drank coffee before leaving for work.
D) If it rains, we will stay inside.
31. Which sentence is simple?
A) I enjoy listening to jazz music.
B) She cooked dinner, and he washed the dishes.
C) I stayed home because I was sick.
D) I tried to call, but the line was busy.
32. Which sentence is compound–complex?
A) I enjoy swimming, but I can’t go today because I have too much work.
B) She smiled warmly.
C) We left early to avoid traffic.
D) I studied hard because I wanted to pass.
33. Which is a complex sentence?
A) I finished my homework, and I played video games.
B) I missed the bus because I woke up late.
C) The sky is blue.
D) We visited the park, and then we went to the cafe.
34. Which is a compound sentence?
A) The children played outside after lunch.
B) I studied for the exam, and I completed all my assignments.
C) Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
D) She likes apples and oranges.
35. Which is a simple sentence?
A) The cat chased the mouse under the table.
B) I wanted to read, but I fell asleep.
C) Although it was late, we went out.
D) I didn’t eat breakfast because I was in a hurry.
Part C – Error Recognition in Sentence Type
(Q36–Q50: Identify if the sentence type is labeled correctly)
36. "She enjoys reading novels in the evening." – Labeled as Simple sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
37. "We went to the park, but it started raining." – Labeled as Complex sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
38. "Because I studied hard, I passed the exam." – Labeled as Complex sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
39. "I like ice cream, and I like cake." – Labeled as Compound sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
40. "The children played outside while their parents prepared dinner." – Labeled as
Complex sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
41. "I enjoy reading, but I don’t like writing, although I am good at it." – Labeled as
Compound–Complex sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
42. "She runs every morning." – Labeled as Complex sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
43. "I wanted to go, but I stayed home because it was raining." – Labeled as
Compound–Complex sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
44. "We stayed home because it was raining." – Labeled as Compound sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
45. "The sun is shining, and the wind is blowing." – Labeled as Compound sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
46. "After the show ended, we went out for dinner, and then we saw a movie." –
Labeled as Compound–Complex sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
47. "He smiled as he handed me the letter." – Labeled as Complex sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
48. "We cooked dinner and watched a movie." – Labeled as Compound sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
49. "I will study tonight, and I will review tomorrow." – Labeled as Compound
sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
50. "Because it was raining, the game was postponed." – Labeled as Complex
sentence.
A) Correct
B) Incorrect
✅ Answer Key:
1C, 2B, 3A, 4B, 5C, 6B, 7D, 8A, 9C, 10B, 11C, 12D, 13B, 14C, 15D, 16C, 17B, 18D,
19A, 20D,
21B, 22C, 23B, 24C, 25B, 26B, 27B, 28A, 29B, 30B, 31A, 32A, 33B, 34B, 35A,
36A, 37B, 38A, 39A, 40A, 41A, 42B, 43A, 44B, 45A, 46A, 47A, 48B, 49A, 50A.
