Free English Grammar Sentence Structure Questions and Answers

Question 1

They stood on the sidewalk looking around as a few people walked by, but no one appeared particularly interested.

Accepted Answer

Compound-complex

Answer

This sentence is classified as compound-complex because it contains two independent clauses and one dependent clause. 'They stood on the sidewalk looking around' is an independent clause, and 'no one appeared particularly interested' is another independent clause, joined by the coordinating conjunction 'but'. The phrase 'as a few people walked by' is a dependent clause, introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'as'.

Question 2

For the following several blocks, additional small shops lined both sides of the street. Chris carefully glanced at the names on the neighboring businesses.

Accepted Answer

Compound

Answer

This passage consists of two independent clauses: 'For the following several blocks, additional small shops lined both sides of the street' and 'Chris carefully glanced at the names on the neighboring businesses.' Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. When two independent clauses are presented together, even if separated by a period, the overall structure reflects a compound nature, indicating the presence of multiple complete thoughts.

Question 3

Even though I know my students are more than capable, I am not surprised by their success and comprehension of the idea when they study for their quizzes and tests.

Accepted Answer

Complex

Answer

This is a complex sentence because it contains one independent clause and one dependent clause. The independent clause is 'I am not surprised by their success and comprehension of the idea when they study for their quizzes and tests,' which can stand alone. The dependent clause, 'Even though I know my students are more than capable,' begins with the subordinating conjunction 'Even though' and cannot stand alone.

Question 4

The plants that sing "Feed Me" in a macabre manner are the ones that terrify me.

Accepted Answer

Independent Clause

Answer

The sentence 'The plants that sing 'Feed Me' in a macabre manner are the ones that terrify me' is an independent clause. It contains a subject ('The plants') and a predicate ('are the ones that terrify me') and expresses a complete thought, allowing it to stand alone. The phrase 'that sing 'Feed Me' in a macabre manner' is a dependent clause modifying 'plants', but the overall sentence structure is an independent clause.

Question 5

The bus slowed down and stopped in front of a T-shirt store, pulling up to the curb.

Accepted Answer

Simple

Answer

This is a simple sentence because it contains only one independent clause and no dependent clauses. The clause 'The bus slowed down and stopped in front of a T-shirt store' has a single subject ('The bus') and a compound verb ('slowed down and stopped'). The phrase 'pulling up to the curb' is a participial phrase, not a separate clause.

English Grammar Test Practice Test

English Grammar Test Practice Test

Free English Grammar Sentence Structure Questions and Answers