Using simple, compound and complex sentences in descriptive writing | English

Starter quiz

What makes a complete sentence?
- a subject, a verb and the expression of a complete idea ✓
- a subject, a subordinate clause and the expression of a complete idea
- a subject, a verb and the expression of an incomplete idea
If something is complete then it ______.
- has all the necessary parts ✓
- is fragmented and broken off
- expresses a complete idea
Which of the following is a complete sentence?
- 'The twisted branches.'
- 'Reaching for me, the twisted branches.'
- 'The twisted branches reached for me.' ✓
A subordinate clause is ______.
- a complete sentence that makes sense on its own
- extra information that doesn't make sense on its own ✓
- extra information that does make sense on its own
A simple sentence is ______.
- one main clause that expresses a complete idea ✓
- two main clauses joined together
- one main clause and one subordinate clause
Which of the following sentences with a subordinate clause is punctuated correctly?
- Since it was raining; John sought cover under a tree.
- Since it was raining John sought cover under a tree.
- Since it was raining, John sought cover under a tree. ✓

A compound sentence is ______.
- One main clause that expresses a complete idea
- Two main clauses joined together ✓
- One main clause and one subordinate clause
Which piece of punctuation do you put before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence?
- a comma ✓
- a question mark
- a semicolon
- a colon
In a complex sentence, a subordinate clause can go ______.
- only at the beginning of the sentence or in the middle of the sentence
- only in the middle or at the end of the sentence
- at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of the sentence ✓
You might use simple sentences in your writing to add ______.
- flow
- tension ✓
- variety
What sentence type is the following sentence: 'Because of the glorious sunshine, the drooping flowers began to bloom again.'
- compound sentence
- simple sentence
- complex sentence ✓
Using complex sentences can help paint a more complete picture for the reader since the extra information adds more ______.
- detail ✓
- tension
- adjectives

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A simple sentence has one main clause.
Compound sentences are two main clauses joined together with a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.
Complex sentences are one main clause and at least one subordinate clause.
The subordinate clause can go at the beginning, middle and end of a sentence.

That the choice of sentence type isn't important as long as the grammar and punctuation is correct.

The choice of sentence type can impact the way that a reader responds to your writing.