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Which of the following sentences correctly uses a complex sentence structure?

A. They had to decide between adopting a cat or a dog at the rescue shelter.

B. Whenever the boys played in the rain, they came home with muddy clothes.

C. The student brought her laptop, textbooks, and parking pass.

D. She wanted to go to the beach after she left work.

Answer Explanation:

The sentence "She wanted to go to the beach after she left work."(Choice D) correctly uses a complex sentence structure. It consists of an independent clause "She wanted to go to the beach" and a dependent clause "after she left work."

Choice B is wrong because the sentence contains two independent clauses: "Whenever the boys played in the rain" and "they came home with muddy clothes." These clauses are joined by the coordinating conjunction "and." While it is a sentence with multiple clauses, it does not contain a dependent clause.

Note: To be a complex sentence, there should be an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Choice B only consists of two independent clauses without a dependent clause, making it a compound sentence instead of a complex sentence.

Be keen to differentiate between complex and compound sentences.

Therefore, the Correct Answer is D.

More Questions on TEAS 7 Language

  • Q #1: "Ouch! I stepped on one of those plastic toy bricks left on the floor again! 😡" Which of the following parts of speech is the word "ouch"?

    A. Preposition

    B. Conjunction

    C. Adjective

    D. Interjection

    Answer Explanation

    An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses a sudden or strong emotion or feeling. In this case, "ouch" is used to express pain or discomfort, which is a sudden sensation, and is not grammatically connected to the rest of the sentence. Therefore, "ouch" is an interjection.

  • Q #2: Which of the following is a compound sentence?

    A. I like my job, but I like this more.

    B. I can and will take the prize this year.

    C. I need to order a new auto-subdividing adjuster piece for the components behind it.

    D. As I was saying, if you need my help for anything, just call me.

    Answer Explanation

    A compound sentence is a sentence that consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction. Example: "I like my job, but I like this more." This sentence has two independent clauses, "I like my job" and "I like this more," joined by the conjunction "but."

  • Q #3: Which of the following is a complete sentence?

    A. Walking with a limp as a result of the thorn.

    B. I walked all three dogs around the park this morning.

    C. Running through the park before breakfast.

    D. When I was young and loved going for runs in the park.

    Answer Explanation

    A complete sentence must have a subject and a predicate that expresses a complete thought. Option B, "I walked all three dogs around the park this morning," is a complete sentence because it has a subject ("I") and a predicate ("walked all three dogs around the park this morning") that expresses a complete thought.