Identify each sentence as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex.

"In spite of the harmful effects of kudzu, it still has several benefits."

I have read all about simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. However, I cannot figure out how it works in an actual sentence. What am I looking for?

In spite of the harmful effect of kudzu
Is this a dependent clause? I think so because it needs more to complete it.

It still has several benefits.
This to me also sounds like a dependent clause.

And a fragment is not an option. What am I missing? Please help me with this. It will be so appreciated.

"In spite of the harmful effect of kudzu" is dependent, so you are right about that. The other part of the sentence, "it still has several benefits" is an independent clause because it has a noun (it), a verb (has), and forms a complete thought. So, the sentence has one dependent clause and one independent clause, which makes it a COMPLEX sentence. Hope this helps!

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