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Grade 3 · Grammar · Conventions

3rd Grade Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences worksheets

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Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences

Grade 3 Grammar Worksheet

NameDate

Write simple, compound, or complex.

  1. We stayed inside because it was raining.

  2. Birds sing in the morning.

  3. The dog barked.

  4. It was raining, so we stayed inside.

  5. I wanted a snack, but the jar was empty.

  6. The store was closed, so we went home.

  7. Mia sang while Sam played the piano.

  8. Because it was late, we hurried home.

  9. After the bell rang, we lined up.

  10. Unless it snows, the game will start at noon.

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3rd Grade Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences worksheet 1 – printable PDF
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About this worksheet

Sentences are built in different ways. A simple sentence has one complete idea, such as The dog barked. A compound sentence joins two complete ideas with a comma and a word such as and, but, or or so: The dog barked, and the cat ran. A complex sentence has one complete idea and one idea that cannot stand alone, usually begun by a word such as because, when, if or after: The dog barked because the cat ran.

On this worksheet your child reads ten sentences and writes simple, compound or complex for each one; the three words are in the instruction. Building Confidence uses clear one-idea and two-idea sentences, On Level adds the complex words, and Challenge Me uses longer sentences and words such as although and unless. Ask your child to count the ideas and to look for the joining word.

What your child will learn

  • Tell a sentence with one idea from a sentence with two
  • Find the word that joins two complete ideas
  • Recognize a because, when or if idea that cannot stand alone

Common Core standard: L.3.1.I

Worked example

The dog barked, and the cat ran. There are two complete ideas joined by and, so it is a compound sentence.

Common mistake

Calling a long sentence compound when it has only one idea and a lot of describing words.

Helpful hint

Count the complete ideas. Then look for and, but, or, so (compound) or because, when, if, after (complex).

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with simple, compound and complex sentences?

Calling a long sentence compound when it has only one idea and a lot of describing words.

How can I help my child with simple, compound and complex sentences?

Count the complete ideas. Then look for and, but, or, so (compound) or because, when, if, after (complex).

Are these 3rd grade grammar worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

Similar: Commas and Quotation Marks · Capitalization

More 3rd grade conventions

See all conventions

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