Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

Which type of sentence contains a subordinate clause?

1. Simple sentence

2. Compound sentence

3. Complex sentence

4. Periodic sentence

The correct answer is: Complex sentence

A complex sentence is defined by its inclusion of at least one subordinate clause in addition to an independent clause. The presence of the subordinate clause allows for the expression of more nuanced ideas, as the subordinate clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and relies on the independent clause for its full meaning. This structure grants a complex sentence the ability to convey relationships between ideas, such as time, cause, or condition. In contrast, a simple sentence contains only one independent clause and no subordinate clauses, making it a straightforward statement. A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, which also means it lacks any subordinate clauses. A periodic sentence, on the other hand, builds suspense by delaying the main clause until the end, but it can be either simple or complex depending on its structure.