Simple, Compound And Run-on Sentences! Quiz

1. Porpoises are similar to dolphins, but they generally live in cooler water.

Simple

Compound

Run-On

The given statement states that porpoises are similar to dolphins and they generally live in cooler water. This implies that there are two separate ideas being presented in the sentence, making it a compound sentence.

Explanation

The given statement states that porpoises are similar to dolphins and they generally live in cooler water. This implies that there are two separate ideas being presented in the sentence, making it a compound sentence.

2. Bottle-nosed dolphins can measure up to fifteen feet in length, and they can weigh over four hundred pounds.

Simple

Compound

Run-On

The given sentence contains two independent clauses connected by the coordinating conjunction "and." This makes it a compound sentence. Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, but they are joined together to show a relationship between the length and weight of bottle-nosed dolphins.

Explanation

The given sentence contains two independent clauses connected by the coordinating conjunction "and." This makes it a compound sentence. Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, but they are joined together to show a relationship between the length and weight of bottle-nosed dolphins.

3. Common dolphins live in warm waters and swim in large schools.

Simple

Compound

Run-On

The given sentence is a simple sentence because it contains only one independent clause. It states a fact about common dolphins, that they live in warm waters and swim in large schools. There are no additional clauses or conjunctions that would make it compound or run-on.

Explanation

The given sentence is a simple sentence because it contains only one independent clause. It states a fact about common dolphins, that they live in warm waters and swim in large schools. There are no additional clauses or conjunctions that would make it compound or run-on.

4. Dolphins have beak-like snouts and swim by moving their tails up and down.

Simple

Compound

Run-On

The given statement describes two characteristics of dolphins: their beak-like snouts and their method of swimming by moving their tails up and down. It is a simple sentence because it consists of a single independent clause and does not contain any additional clauses or conjunctions.

Explanation

The given statement describes two characteristics of dolphins: their beak-like snouts and their method of swimming by moving their tails up and down. It is a simple sentence because it consists of a single independent clause and does not contain any additional clauses or conjunctions.

5. Dolphins and Porpoises belong to a group of mammals called cetaceans and they are both warm-blooded animals.

Simple

Compound

Run-On

The two complete sentences are not joined correctly (with either a comma and conjunction OR a semicolon)

Explanation

The two complete sentences are not joined correctly (with either a comma and conjunction OR a semicolon)

6. Many people like to go on dolphin watches but few get to swim with the dolphins.

Simple

Compound

Run-On

The given sentence is a run-on because it consists of two independent clauses ("Many people like to go on dolphin watches" and "few get to swim with the dolphins") that are not properly connected or separated. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. In this case, the sentence could be corrected by adding a coordinating conjunction like "but" or by separating the clauses into two separate sentences.

Explanation

The given sentence is a run-on because it consists of two independent clauses ("Many people like to go on dolphin watches" and "few get to swim with the dolphins") that are not properly connected or separated. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. In this case, the sentence could be corrected by adding a coordinating conjunction like "but" or by separating the clauses into two separate sentences.

7. Porpoises can swim very fast so they can outswim most sharks.

Simple

Compound

Run-On

The given statement is a run-on sentence because it contains two independent clauses that are not properly joined or punctuated. The first clause "Porpoises can swim very fast" and the second clause "so they can outswim most sharks" are not separated by a coordinating conjunction or appropriate punctuation. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

Explanation

The given statement is a run-on sentence because it contains two independent clauses that are not properly joined or punctuated. The first clause "Porpoises can swim very fast" and the second clause "so they can outswim most sharks" are not separated by a coordinating conjunction or appropriate punctuation. A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

8. Dolphins can be easily trained, for they are very smart mammals.

Simple

Compound

Run-On

The given sentence contains two independent clauses, "Dolphins can be easily trained" and "they are very smart mammals," which are joined by the coordinating conjunction "for." This conjunction indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses. Therefore, the sentence is compound, as it consists of two related but independent thoughts connected by a coordinating conjunction.

Explanation

The given sentence contains two independent clauses, "Dolphins can be easily trained" and "they are very smart mammals," which are joined by the coordinating conjunction "for." This conjunction indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses. Therefore, the sentence is compound, as it consists of two related but independent thoughts connected by a coordinating conjunction.

9. Dolphins use sonar, just like bats, in order to locate objects under the water.

Simple

Compound

Run-On

This sentence is a simple sentence because it consists of one independent clause. The subject "Dolphins" and the verb "use" are clearly stated, and the sentence expresses a complete thought. The phrase "just like bats" provides additional information, but it does not create a compound sentence as it is not joined with a coordinating conjunction. Therefore, the sentence is simple.

Explanation

This sentence is a simple sentence because it consists of one independent clause. The subject "Dolphins" and the verb "use" are clearly stated, and the sentence expresses a complete thought. The phrase "just like bats" provides additional information, but it does not create a compound sentence as it is not joined with a coordinating conjunction. Therefore, the sentence is simple.

10. Dolphins and Porpoises have been known to save people in trouble and will allow people to ride on their backs.

Simple

Compound

Run-On

The given statement is a simple sentence because it consists of one independent clause. It states a fact about dolphins and porpoises saving people and allowing them to ride on their backs. There are no additional clauses or conjunctions present in the sentence.

Explanation

The given statement is a simple sentence because it consists of one independent clause. It states a fact about dolphins and porpoises saving people and allowing them to ride on their backs. There are no additional clauses or conjunctions present in the sentence.