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Compound Sentences Worksheets

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A simple and compound sentences chart, simple or compound practice, sorts, combining sentences, fixing run-ons, and writing, with keys.

Download the compound sentences worksheets

Simple or compound?

A chart on simple and compound sentences, with a first look at complex ones, then practice telling them apart.

Build compound sentences

Combine sentences, fix run-ons, finish compound sentences, and write your own.

Print at 100% (actual size) for the cleanest tracing lines.

About these compound sentences worksheets

A simple sentence has one complete thought. A compound sentence joins two complete thoughts with a comma and a joining word such as and, but, or, or so: "The wind blew hard, and the leaves fell." Third graders learn to write both, and they get a first look at complex sentences, which join ideas with words like because, when, and after.

These compound sentences worksheets start with a chart that shows how to check a sentence: cover the conjunction and see if each side can stand alone. Practice pages ask children to decide if a sentence is simple or compound, sort sentences (cut and paste or write the numbers), combine two sentences, fix run-on sentences, finish compound sentences, and write their own. Every page with right answers has an answer key.

Standards

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.1.IProduce simple, compound, and complex sentences.

How to use them

  1. Start with the chart and build two compound sentences together.
  2. Do simple or compound next. Check each side of the conjunction for a subject and a verb.
  3. Use the sort, then the combine and run-on pages.
  4. Finish with the writing pages.

Teaching tips

  • "Felipe tripped but did not fall" is a simple sentence: the second part has no subject of its own.
  • A run-on joins two sentences with no comma and no conjunction. Fix it with a comma and a conjunction, or with a period.
  • Choose the conjunction by meaning: and adds, but shows a difference, or gives a choice, so shows a result.
  • See the coordinating conjunctions page for all seven joining words.

Questions teachers and parents ask

What is a compound sentence?

Two complete sentences joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction, like "I like rain, but my dog does not."

What is the difference between a simple and a compound sentence?

A simple sentence has one complete thought. A compound sentence has two, joined with a comma and a conjunction.

Do the worksheets have answer keys?

Yes. Every page with right answers has an answer key on page 2. Written answers show an example.