Question

Which describes the structure of this sentence?

If the ball needs air, use the pump in the storage room.

A.
compound

B.
simple

C.
compound-complex

D.
complex

Answer 1

A.

Answer 2

@Hayhayz

Answer 3

Or is it D?

Answer 4

@Serenity74

Answer 5

Let's go over each of those terms:

A simple sentence contains an independent clause with one subject and one verb. For example: "Johnny can survive in the forest."

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined with a comma, semicolon, or conjunction. Example: "Johnny can survive in the forest, and he is a good hunter."

A complex sentence combines independent clauses with dependent clauses. For example, "When equipped with his bow and arrows, Johnny can survive in the forest."

A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. For example: "When carrying his bow and arrows, Johnny can survive in the forest, and he is a good hunter."

Answer 6

So, let's look at the two parts of your sentence.
"If the ball needs air, use the pump in the storage room."
"If the ball needs air." - is this independent or dependent?

Answer 7

If it's independent, it will make sense without having to add additional information.

Answer 8

Okay. So it's Complex then.

Answer 9

That's right.
"If the ball needs air" is dependent, while "use the pump in the storage room" is independent.
Good work.

Answer 10

Thanks! :)

Answer 11

You're welcome, I'm happy to help. Let me know if you need help with anything else. :)

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