Grade 7 Clauses & Sentences worksheet
from Gradelings · Name: ______________________
How to explain it
- An independent clause stands alone. A dependent clause starts with a word like if, because or when and can’t.
- Simple: one independent clause. Compound: two joined by and, but or so. Complex: independent plus dependent. Compound-complex: two independent plus a dependent.
- Fix fragments, run-ons and comma splices by adding what’s missing or joining clauses correctly.
Example: “When the bell rang, we ran outside.” What type of sentence is this? “We ran outside” is independent. “When the bell rang” is dependent. Answer: Complex
Question 1
What type of sentence is this?
The students cheered when the bell rang.
- Complex
- Compound-complex
- Compound
- Simple
Complex
Hint: One independent clause plus a dependent clause (starting with a word like because, when, although, if or that) makes a complex sentence.
Question 2
Which part of this sentence is the dependent clause?
If it snows tomorrow, the game will be cancelled.
- the game will be cancelled
- If it snows tomorrow
- tomorrow
If it snows tomorrow
Hint: A dependent clause has a subject and a verb but can't stand alone. It usually starts with a word like because, when, if, although or that.
Question 3
Which word is a subordinating conjunction?
- and
- or
- if
- so
if
Hint: Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, if, while…) begin dependent clauses. And, but, or, so and yet are coordinating conjunctions.
Question 4
Which part of this sentence is the independent clause?
Leo smiled as he opened the letter.
- as he opened the letter
- Leo smiled
- the letter
Leo smiled
Hint: An independent clause has a subject and a verb and makes sense on its own as a sentence.
Question 5
Which sentence is a comma splice?
- Noah wanted to swim; the pool was closed.
- Noah wanted to swim, but the pool was closed.
- Noah wanted to swim, the pool was closed.
- Although Noah wanted to swim, the pool was closed.
Noah wanted to swim, the pool was closed.
Hint: A comma splice joins two complete sentences with only a comma. Look for a comma with no joining word after it.
Question 6
Which of these is a sentence fragment?
- Although Zoe was nervous, she gave a clear presentation.
- Leo smiled as he opened the letter.
- The bus was late, so we walked to school.
- As he opened the letter.
As he opened the letter.
Hint: A fragment is missing part of a complete thought. A dependent clause on its own (like “When the bell rang.”) leaves the reader asking “…then what?”
Question 7
Which sentence is compound-complex?
- Although the movie was long, Noah enjoyed it, and he wants to see it again.
- The wind rattled the windows all night.
- Although Zoe was nervous, she gave a clear presentation.
- We could take the ferry, or we could drive around the lake.
Although the movie was long, Noah enjoyed it, and he wants to see it again.
Hint: Two or more independent clauses plus at least one dependent clause make a compound-complex sentence.
Question 8
Which revision correctly fixes this run-on sentence?
The power went out we lit candles.
- When the power went out.
- The power went out, so we lit candles.
- The power went out, we lit candles.
- The power went out so, we lit candles.
The power went out, so we lit candles.
Hint: Fix a run-on with a comma plus a joining word (and, but, so), a semicolon, or by making one part a dependent clause. A comma alone isn't enough.
Answer key
- 1. Complex
- 2. If it snows tomorrow
- 3. if
- 4. Leo smiled
- 5. Noah wanted to swim, the pool was closed.
- 6. As he opened the letter.
- 7. Although the movie was long, Noah enjoyed it, and he wants to see it again.
- 8. The power went out, so we lit candles.
Want more than 8 questions?
In Gradelings the questions change every time and adjust to your child, with hints and kind feedback.