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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: Which of the following sentences requires a citation?

    A. Some sunscreens have an SPF of 35 or higher.

    B. Any exposed skin is susceptible to sunburn.

    C. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

    D. Prolonged sun exposure can result in a burn.

    Answer Explanation

    This sentence presents a specific statistic that may not be common knowledge and is not the author's original idea, so it requires a citation to give credit to the source of this information. A citation is needed to show where this statistic came from, who conducted the study, and when it was conducted. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

  • Q #2: Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct grammar and usage?

    A. If any fewer people watch that television series, the affect will be its cancellation.

    B. If any less people watch that television series, the effect will be its cancellation.

    C. If any less people watch that television series, the affect will be its cancellation.

    D. If any fewer people watch that television series, the effect will be its cancellation.

    Answer Explanation

    The correct use of "fewer" and "less" is important in proper grammar and usage. "Fewer" is used when referring to items that can be counted, while "less" is used for quantities that cannot be counted. In this case, "people" is a countable noun, so "fewer" is the correct word to use. Additionally, "effect" is the correct noun to use in this sentence, as it refers to the result or consequence of the action, while "affect" is a verb meaning to influence or have an impact on.

  • 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.