A simple sentence has only one main clause. It does not have any subordinate clauses. A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
A complex sentence can be converted into a simple sentence by contracting a subordinate clause into a word or phrase.
Study the following example.
We believe that he is innocent. (Complex sentence)
This sentence can be converted into a simple sentence by changing the subordinate clause ‘that he is innocent’ into a word or phrase.
We believe in his innocence. (Simple sentence)
State whether the following sentences are simple or complex.
1He sold the house that belonged to his father.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex" because "that belonged to his father" is a subordinate adjective clause.
2I have no money that I can lend you.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex" because "that I can lend you" is a subordinate adjective clause.
3The marks that were left by the whip are still visible.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex" because "that were left by the whip" is a subordinate adjective clause.
4He prospered by the money he inherited from his father.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex" because "he inherited from his father" is a subordinate adjective clause modifying "money".
5A man who is dead has no worries.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex" because "who is dead" is a subordinate adjective clause.
6He sold his father's house.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because the sentence has one main clause and no subordinate clause.
7I have no money to lend you.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because "to lend you" is an infinitive phrase, not a clause.
8The marks left by the whip are still visible.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because "left by the whip" is a participle phrase, not a clause.
9He prospered by his father's money.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because the sentence has one main clause and no subordinate clause.
10A dead man has no worries.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because the sentence has one main clause and no subordinate clause.
Answers
- He sold the house that belonged to his father. — Complex
- I have no money that I can lend you. — Complex
- The marks that were left by the whip are still visible. — Complex
- He prospered by the money he inherited from his father. — Complex
- A man who is dead has no worries. — Complex
- He sold his father’s house. — Simple
- I have no money to lend you. — Simple
- The marks left by the whip are still visible. — Simple
- He prospered by his father’s money. — Simple
- A dead man has no worries. — Simple
