Question

We have state testing this week [CRCT] and I'm reviewing for the Language Arts part. 8th grade students are required to know a ton of stuff by this time, but one thing I don't understand is simple, compound, and compund-complex sentences. They confuse me and I need to know how to spot them.
Btw, I might have more questions today; I need all the help I can get to pass! Thanks (=
-MC

Answer 1

Hmmmm I guess I should've checked google first eh? Thanks though =)
-MC

Answer 2

I found a really great way to spot one of these on the first site of the google url:

Simple sentences always contain a subject and verb and express complete thoughts.

For compound sentence, I just have to look for FANBOY beside a comma!

For complex sentences, I must find a subordinator like when, after, or before.
Am I on the right track?
-MC

Answer 3

Yes, you are on the right track.

Here are some rather simplified definitions and examples for you:

** Simple sentence = 1 independent clause
** Compound sentence = 2 independent clauses, joined by a comma and one of the FANBOYs or by a semicolon
** Complex sentence = 1 independent clause and 1 or more (usually 1 or 2) dependent clauses; dependent clauses are usually introduced by relative pronouns or subordinating conjunctions
** Compound-complex sentence = compound sentence (as above) plus 1 or 2 dependent clauses.

(Independent clause has a subject and verb and makes sense on its own. Dependent clause has a subject and verb, but does not make sense on its own.)

Hold on for some examples.

Answer 4

Simple sentences:
** Go home!
** I love to eat.
** When dining, be sure to eat all your vegetables.
** While dancing, she always has a smile on her face.

Compound sentences:
** Jack and Jill went up the hill, but no one was chasing them.
** Jack fell down, and Jill ran away.
** In all the thunder and lightning, one cat went racing into the closet, and the other two just looked around.
** I couldn't stop laughing; his jokes were just too funny.

Complex sentences:
** When he was eating dinner, he spilled spaghetti all over his white shirt.
** While they were dancing, the couple seemed oblivious to everyone else.
** I really admire my brother, who was an appliance repairman in Anchorage, Alaska, for many years.
** If I were you, I wouldn't put my hand on the hot stove.

Please post any specific questions you have.

Answer 5

I'm sorry that I saw this late but thank you for the help!
-MC