Compound-Complex Sentences Quiz: Sentence Building

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Building Compound-complex Sentences - Quiz

Can you combine multiple ideas into one strong sentence without creating a run-on? In this quiz, you’ll practice building and revising compound-complex sentences by combining short ideas, choosing the right conjunctions, and fixing common errors. You’ll work with cause-and-effect, contrast, and time relationships—then apply punctuation rules to keep your writing... see moreclear. By the end, you’ll be able to create compound-complex sentences that sound smooth, complete, and correct.
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2. I wanted to go hiking, but it started to rain, so we stayed home. How many independent clauses are in this sentence?

None

There are three independent clauses joined by but and so.

Explanation

There are three independent clauses joined by but and so.

3. When the sun came out, we went for a walk, and we stopped for ice cream. Which word begins the dependent clause?

For

Came

When

Stopped

When introduces the dependent clause When the sun came out.

Explanation

When introduces the dependent clause When the sun came out.

4. Choose the best sentence that correctly combines all ideas.

I finished my chores, and I watched TV because my mom said I could.

Because I finished my chores, I watched TV, and my mom said I could.

I finished my chores because I watched TV and my mom said I could.

I finished my chores because I watched TV, but my mom said I could.

This version has one dependent clause (Because I finished my chores) and two independent clauses.

Explanation

This version has one dependent clause (Because I finished my chores) and two independent clauses.

5. Which sentence correctly shows a cause-and-effect relationship using a subordinating conjunction?

I forgot my homework, so I got in trouble.

I got in trouble because I forgot my homework.

I forgot my homework, and I got in trouble.

Because I got in trouble, I forgot my homework.

Because introduces the reason, forming a cause-and-effect relationship.

Explanation

Because introduces the reason, forming a cause-and-effect relationship.

6. Which sentence below is compound-complex?

I was late because my alarm didn’t ring, and the bus left early.

I was late, and the bus left early.

Because my alarm didn’t ring, I was late.

I was late and missed breakfast.

It includes two independent clauses and one dependent clause.

Explanation

It includes two independent clauses and one dependent clause.

7. Which sentence correctly uses both and and because?

I cooked dinner and washed dishes because my mom was tired.

I cooked dinner because and washed dishes my mom was tired.

Because I cooked dinner, and I washed dishes my mom was tired.

I cooked dinner and washed dishes, and because my mom was tired.

This sentence properly combines clauses using and (coordination) and because (subordination).

Explanation

This sentence properly combines clauses using and (coordination) and because (subordination).

8. A compound-complex sentence can include more than one dependent clause.

True

False

It only needs at least one, but may include more.

Explanation

It only needs at least one, but may include more.

9. Using two coordinating conjunctions in a row (e.g., and but) is grammatically correct.

True

False

Only one coordinating conjunction should link each pair of independent clauses.

Explanation

Only one coordinating conjunction should link each pair of independent clauses.

10. Match each set of ideas to the correct compound-complex combination. A) I was cold. I wore a jacket. It started snowing. B) We played soccer. We got tired. The field was muddy.

A–1, B–2

A–2, B–1

A–1, B–1

A–2, B–2

Each sentence combines a dependent clause with two independent ones.

Explanation

Each sentence combines a dependent clause with two independent ones.

11. Identify the conjunction error: I wanted to go swimming, but because it was cold.

Missing independent clause

Extra comma

Too many conjunctions

Missing dependent clause

The sentence ends with a dependent clause only; an independent clause must follow.

Explanation

The sentence ends with a dependent clause only; an independent clause must follow.

Thank you for your feedback!

Anneda Nettleton |Bachelor’s in Middle Grade Education |

K–12 Expert

Anneda N. is an experienced instructional designer and educator with over 22 years in K–12 education. She specializes in standards-aligned quizzes, curriculum development, literacy programs, and academic writing. Holds a Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education and a Rank 1 Reading & Writing Specialist credential.

Building Compound-Complex Sentences

1. Add a subordinating conjunction to create a compound-complex sentence. _____ the rain stopped, we played outside, and we took pictures of the rainbow.

2. I wanted to go hiking, but it started to rain, so we stayed home. How many independent clauses are in this sentence?

3. When the sun came out, we went for a walk, and we stopped for ice cream. Which word begins the dependent clause?

4. Choose the best sentence that correctly combines all ideas.

5. Which sentence correctly shows a cause-and-effect relationship using a subordinating conjunction?

6. Which sentence below is compound-complex?

7. Which sentence correctly uses both and and because?

8. A compound-complex sentence can include more than one dependent clause.

9. Using two coordinating conjunctions in a row (e.g., and but) is grammatically correct.

10. Match each set of ideas to the correct compound-complex combination. A) I was cold. I wore a jacket. It started snowing. B) We played soccer. We got tired. The field was muddy.

11. Identify the conjunction error: I wanted to go swimming, but because it was cold.