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By learning to name the different types of sentences, you will develop a more sophisticated understanding of how language works. Indicate whether each of the following examples is a simple sentence, compound sentence, complex sentence or compound-complex sentence.

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1. Ottawa is the capital of Canada, and Toronto is the capital of Ontario.
   • 1.1 simple sentence
   • 1.2 compound sentence
   • 1.3 complex sentence
   • 1.4 compound-complex sentence
2. Democracy is a noble goal; it is important, however, to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority.
   • 2.1 simple sentence
   • 2.2 compound sentence
   • 2.3 complex sentence
   • 2.4 compound-complex sentence
3. I do not own a Porsche.
   • 3.1 simple sentence
   • 3.2 compound sentence
   • 3.3 complex sentence
   • 3.4 compound-complex sentence
4. Call your team leader as soon as you arrive in Antigonish.
   • 4.1 simple sentence
   • 4.2 compound sentence
   • 4.3 complex sentence
   • 4.4 compound-complex sentence
5. Joe ate the sushi and left the restaurant.
   • 5.1 simple sentence
   • 5.2 compound sentence
   • 5.3 complex sentence
   • 5.4 compound-complex sentence
6. Unless my friend in Calgary postpones her visit, I will not have time to write this report.
   • 6.1 simple sentence
   • 6.2 compound sentence
   • 6.3 complex sentence
   • 6.4 compound-complex sentence
7. Suzanne wanted to be here, but she cannot come because her car is in the shop.
   • 7.1 simple sentence
   • 7.2 compound sentence
   • 7.3 complex sentence
   • 7.4 compound-complex sentence
8. The football game was cancelled because it was raining.
   • 8.1 simple sentence
   • 8.2 compound sentence
   • 8.3 complex sentence
   • 8.4 compound-complex sentence
9. The football game was cancelled because of the rain.
   • 9.1 simple sentence
   • 9.2 compound sentence
   • 9.3 complex sentence
   • 9.4 compound-complex sentence
10. When the train arrives, and if Ms. Lang is on it, she will be served with a subpoena.
    • 10.1 simple sentence
    • 10.2 compound sentence
    • 10.3 complex sentence
    • 10.4 compound-complex sentence

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Written by David Megginson Copyright © 1994, 1995 and 1996 by the University of Ottawa (Terms of use.)