Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences

Topic – 12

SIMPLE, COMPOUND AND COMPLEX SENTENCES

INTRODUCTION

What is a Sentence?

A sentence is the basic unit of language which expresses a complete thought. It does this by following the grammatical basic rules of syntax. For example: “Suresh is walking”. A complete sentence has at least a subject and a main verb to state (declare) a complete thought.

The sentence is generally defined as a word or a group of words that expresses a thorough idea by giving a statement/order, or asking a question, or exclaiming.

Examples: 

He is a good boy (statement), Is he a good boy? (question), What a nice weather! (exclaiming). 

Types of Sentences: 

Structurally, sentences are of three types:

• Simple Sentence 

• Compound Sentence

• Complex Sentence 

Simple sentence:

A simple sentence must have a single clause (a single verb) which is independent, and it cannot take another clause.

Examples:

I always wanted to become a writer. 

The girl sprinted after the tiger. (One clause - one verb) 

Compound sentence:

A compound sentence is formed when you join two main clauses with a connective. In a compound sentence the clauses are linked by coordinating conjunctions / connectives (and, but, so, or).

Examples:

I like bananas and I like grapes.

Kavitha can be rude at times but she is a nice girl.

Compound Sentence = Main Clause + Coordinating Conjunction + Main Clause

Complex sentence or Multi-Clause Sentence:

A Complex sentence can also be referred to as multi-clause sentence. A complex sentence is formed when you join a main clause and a subordinate clause with a connective. A subordinate clause is one that relies on a main clause to make sense. The connectives in complex sentences are subordinating conjunctions and they tell us about the order or the place in which things happened or specify a cause or effect relationship between events. Connectives used in complex sentences include after, although, as, because, if, since, unless, when.

Examples:

I love roast potatoes, although my mum prefers them mashed. 

You need to prepare for the spelling test tomorrow if you want to get all your spellings right. 

The big dog barked whenever I knocked on the door.

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Complex Sentence= Subordinating Conjuction + Main Clause+ Main Clause

Or

Main Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Main Clause

Complex sentences can also be constructed by including relative clauses (which are subordinate clauses),

For Example: 

Tom, who liked to read, settled down happily with his new book.

KEY WORDS FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF SENTENCES

Practice Exercises

I. Convert the following Simple sentences into Compound sentences:

1. Being ill, he didn't attend the party. 

2. Besides being pretty, she is clever.

3. In spite of his illness, he attended the class.

4. Being guilty, he went into hiding. 

5. Being innocent, he never thought of running away. 

6. Besides being sent to prison, he was heavily fined. 

7. Owing to a friend's intervention, he was later released from jail. 

8. Being lazy, he failed. 

9. To everyone's surprise, the project completely failed. 

10. Seeing the rain coming on, we took shelter under a tree. 

11. Besides educating his nephew, he also set him up in business. 

12. The fog being very dense, the steamer sailed at less than half speed.

13. Being occupied with important matters, he had no leisure to see us.

14. In spite of his popularity, he cannot be called a great writer.

15. Finding himself in difficulty, he went to his teacher for help. 

16. With all his learning, he was far from being a pedant. 

17. Owing to drought the crop is short. 

18. Notwithstanding several efforts, he failed. 

19. In addition to pecuniary assistance, he gave them much valuable advice. 

20. The referee having whistled, the game was stopped. 

21. On account of his negligence the company suffered heavy losses. 

22. Running at top speed, he got out of breath. 

23. Possessing all the advantages of education and wealth, he never made name. 

24. Taking pity on the mouse, the magician turned it into a cat. 

25. Being dissatisfied, he resigned his position. 

26. Throwing off his coat, he plunged into sea. 

27. Hearing their father's footsteps, the boys ran away. 

28. In spite of his great strength, he was overcome. 

29. Being a cripple, he cannot ride a horse. 

30. The rain having washed away the embankment, the train was wrecked.

II. Convert the following Simple sentences into Complex sentences:

1. On being punished, he wept. 

2. During Queen Victoria's reign there were many wars. 

3. Being quite contented, he never grumbled. 

4. Being ill-treated by his master, he ran away. 

5. Owing to ill-health he has resigned. 

6. Notwithstanding my entreaties he shot the dog. 

7. Speaking honestly, I do not know. 

8. The tiger having fallen, he climbed down from the tree. 

9. Finding the door unlocked, the thief entered the house. 

10. Feeling out of sorts, he went to bed.

III. Convert the following Compound sentences into Simple sentences:

1. They were poor, and often suffered great hardship. 

2. He overslept himself, and so he missed the train. 

3. The prince slew his brother and became king in his place.

4. The camel pushed his head into the tent and asked to be allowed to warm his nose.

5. They took every precaution, still they ran aground. 

6. He is rich, yet he is not contented.

7. The steamer went down, yet the crew were saved.

8. The piper advanced, and the children followed. 

9. The horse reared and the rider was thrown.

10. I called him, but he gave me no answer.

11. He tried hard but he did not succeed.

12. His partner died, and this added to his difficulties.

13. He is a well-read man, but in matters of business he is a fool.

14. He is very poor, but he does not complain.

15. My friend arrived and we went for a walk. 

16. The servant brought the lamp and I began my homework. 

17. I have a lot of work and must do it now.

18. He not only pitied him but relieved him.

19. He did this and so offended his master.

20. He had read the book carefully and could tell the story in his own words. 

21. He found a hundred rupee note and was delighted at his good luck.

22. Rama has hurt his ankle and will not be able to play to-day.

23. I ordered him to halt, but he took no notice.

24. I continually invited him to visit me, but he never came. 

25. The dacoits stopped to divide the booty and the police overtook them.

26. The President came into the hall and everyone rose from his seat. 

27. He escaped several times but was finally caught. 

28. The horse fell heavily and his rider came down with him.

29. The plague broke out in the city and the people moved out into the jungle.

30. I had no money with me, and I could not give the beggar anything.

IV. Convert the following Complex sentences into Simple sentences:

1. As I was unable to help in any other way, I gave her some money. 

2. As the war was ended, the soldiers returned. 

3. Although he has failed twice, he will try again. 

4. Because he was ill, 1 he stayed at home. 

5. Since I am unable to get much, I accept little.

6. As he felt cold, he lit fire.

7. Since I believed his word, I did not ask for proof.

8. When they heard the signal, they sprang up.

9. As the truth is known, further lying is useless.

10. Wherever you go, I shall follow you.

11. No sooner did he see us than he disappeared. 

12. As soon as he heard the news, he wrote to me.

13. Because you have done this, I shall punish you. 

14. As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.

15. Wherever he preached, the people gathered to listen. 

16. When the fraud was discovered, he was imprisoned after being tired. 

17. Though the sky falls, he will not be frightened. 

18. Whatever you do, I will support.

19. I was unable to hear what you were saying.

20. When Caesar saw Brutus among the assassins, he covered his face with his gown.

V. Convert the following Compound sentences into Complex sentences:

1. Spare the rod and spoil the child. 

2. He put on his hat and went outside. 

3. Keep quiet or you will be punished. 

4. The ship was wrecked but the crew were saved. 

5. He received your telegram and set off at once. 

6. Rama may not be clever but he certainly industrious. 

7. I put my hand into my pocket and gave him a rupee. 

8. The crow stole a piece of cheese and flew with it to a free. 

9. I called at your house yesterday but you were out.

10. You have earned his gratitude, so you shall not go unrewarded.

11. He failed in his first attempt and never tried again.

12. Time flies fast yet it sometimes appears to move slowly.

13. She must weep or she will die.

14. The archers were poorly armed, but they offered a stubborn resistance. 

15. Cross this line and you will be captured. 

16. He has lost all his teeth, consequently he cannot eat hard food. 

17. He was very learned and seemed to know everything. 

18. Give me the book and I will read it. 

19. Take quinine and your fever will be cured. 

20. He is deaf but he will always pretend to hear.

VI. Convert the following Complex sentences into Compound sentences:

1. If you do not take exercise, you will be ill. 

2. If you run, you will be in time.

3. As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.

4. Although he saw the danger, he pressed on.

5. Though you try with all your might, you will not succeed. 

6. If you eat too much, you will be ill. 

7. Unless you keep quiet, you will be punished. 

8. As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. 

9. As soon as he heard the news he wrote to me. 

10. When you have rested, go on with the work. 

11. Although they fought most valiantly, they were defeated. 

12. As he was ambitious, I killed him. 

13. Though the waves are raging high, I'll row you o'er the ferry. 

14. He finished first though he began late. 

15. Though he tries hard, he is seldom successful. 

16. When the sun set he returned home. 

17. Since duty calls us, we must obey. 

18. As we are here we will stay here. 

19. If you come here you will repent it.

20. Unless we run we shall miss the train.