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Grade 5Simple SentencesApplication

Simple Sentences: One Independent Clause — Grade 5

Grade 5 worksheet drilling simple sentences with compound subjects and compound verbs, including how to recognize when a sentence stays simple.

A simple sentence contains exactly one independent clause — one subject paired with one predicate. At Grade 5, students must extend this understanding to sentences with compound subjects (two or more subjects sharing one predicate) and compound verbs (one subject performing two or more actions). Both structures remain simple sentences because there is still only one clause. This worksheet moves students through four stages: spotting the complete subject, choosing between simple and compound labels, correcting sentences that cross the line into compound territory, and composing an original simple sentence. Working through the sheet in order helps students build confidence before they write independently. Parents can use the answer key printed with each section to check work and start a conversation about what makes a sentence simple.

Simple Sentences: One Independent Clause — Grade 5

Read each question carefully and use what you know about simple sentences to complete each section.

Remember

  • A simple sentence has exactly one independent clause — one subject and one predicate.
  • A compound subject uses two or more subjects with one predicate: 'The dog and the cat slept by the fire.'
  • A compound verb gives one subject two or more actions: 'She packed her bag and left for school.' This is still a simple sentence.

Part A — Circle the Complete Subject

Circle the complete subject in each sentence, including all parts of a compound subject.

  1. 1.

    Zara and her cousin learned to knit during winter break.

  2. 2.

    The tall oak tree dropped its leaves across the sidewalk.

  3. 3.

    Marcus, Leila, and Tom presented their project to the class.

  4. 4.

    The old public library on Maple Street opens at nine every morning.

  5. 5.

    Heavy rain and gusty winds knocked over the garden fence last night.

Part B — Choose the Correct Answer

Read each question and circle the letter of the correct answer.

  1. 6.

    Which sentence below is a simple sentence?

    1. a)Kenji and Priya studied for the science test together.
    2. b)Kenji studied for the test, and he felt nervous.
    3. c)Kenji studied all evening, and then he went to sleep.
  2. 7.

    The planets orbit the sun ____ travel at different speeds. Which word correctly completes this simple sentence?

    1. a)and they
    2. b)and
    3. c)but they
  3. 8.

    Which sentence is NOT a simple sentence?

    1. a)Sofia and her sister danced at the school show.
    2. b)Sofia danced and sang at the school talent show.
    3. c)Sofia danced, and then she sang a solo at the show.
  4. 9.

    What type of subject does this sentence have? 'The red fox and the gray rabbit hid in the tall grass.'

    1. a)a simple subject
    2. b)a compound subject
    3. c)a compound verb
  5. 10.

    Which sentence has a compound verb but is still a simple sentence?

    1. a)Amir and his dad grilled vegetables for the family.
    2. b)Amir grilled the vegetables and made a fresh salad.
    3. c)Amir grilled vegetables, and then his dad made the salad.

Part C — Rewrite the Sentence

Rewrite each sentence correctly so that it forms a proper simple sentence.

  1. 11.

    Delia practiced piano, and she performed at the school recital.

  2. 12.

    The river and the lake, they both froze solid during January.

  3. 13.

    Lucas read the magazine article, and he shared it with his group.

  4. 14.

    Jordan she collected leaves and pressed them into her notebook.

Part D — Write Your Own Sentence

Follow the prompt below and write your own simple sentence on the lines provided.

  1. 15.

    Write a simple sentence about something you study in school. Use a compound subject or a compound verb. Do not write 'and he,' 'and she,' or 'and they.'

Answer key

Part A — Circle the Complete Subject

  1. 1.Zara and her cousin
  2. 2.The tall oak tree
  3. 3.Marcus, Leila, and Tom
  4. 4.The old public library on Maple Street
  5. 5.Heavy rain and gusty winds

Part B — Choose the Correct Answer

  1. 6.Kenji and Priya studied for the science test together.
  2. 7.and
  3. 8.Sofia danced, and then she sang a solo at the show.
  4. 9.a compound subject
  5. 10.Amir grilled the vegetables and made a fresh salad.

Part C — Rewrite the Sentence

  1. 11.Delia practiced piano and performed at the school recital.
  2. 12.The river and the lake both froze solid during January.
  3. 13.Lucas read the magazine article and shared it with his group.
  4. 14.Jordan collected leaves and pressed them into her notebook.

Part D — Write Your Own Sentence

  1. 15.Example: Fractions and decimals are two ways to show parts of a whole number.

What this worksheet teaches

  • Identify the complete subject in simple sentences, including compound subjects.
  • Distinguish simple sentences from compound sentences using clause structure.
  • Rewrite incorrectly formed sentences as correct, complete simple sentences.

What is on the page

Part B — Choose the Correct Answer prints “Which sentence below is a simple sentence?” with the options “Kenji and Priya studied for the science test together.”, “Kenji studied for the test, and he felt nervous.” and “Kenji studied all evening, and then he went to sleep.”; the key gives “Kenji and Priya studied for the science test together.”.

In Part C — Rewrite the Sentence, “Delia practiced piano, and she performed at the school recital.” is corrected in the key to “Delia practiced piano and performed at the school recital.”

The language it drills

“Zara and her cousin learned to knit during winter break.” carries two answers: “Zara” and “her cousin”.

Notes for the grown-up

  • Students often label a sentence with a compound verb as compound — watch for this common error in Sections B and C.
  • Remind students that 'and she' or 'and he' adds a second subject, which creates a compound sentence, not a compound verb.
  • A student is ready to move on when they can sort ten mixed sentences into simple and compound without guidance.

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