State the whether the following sentences are simple, complex or compound.
1If you eat too much, you will get fat.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Complex" because it has the subordinate if-clause "If you eat too much" and the main clause "you will get fat".
2I will have a think and let you know.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Compound" because "and" joins two main clauses: "I will have a think" and "let you know".
3Having been there before, he knew what to expect.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Simple" because "Having been there before" is a non-finite phrase, not a separate finite clause.
4We got our roof blown off in the storm last week.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Simple" because it has one finite verb, "got", and therefore one main clause.
5I went to see him, but he told me to get out.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Compound" because "but" joins two main clauses: "I went to see him" and "he told me to get out".
6It was John who paid for the drinks.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Complex" because the relative clause "who paid for the drinks" depends on the main clause.
7My grandfather died in a hospital.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Simple" because it has one finite verb, "died", and one main clause.
8I thought it strange that she hadn't written.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Complex" because the that-clause "that she hadn't written" depends on the main clause "I thought it strange".
9I looked a real fool when I fell in the river.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Complex" because "when I fell in the river" is a subordinate time clause.
10I wasn't the cleverest, but I was the most beautiful.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Compound" because "but" joins two main clauses: "I wasn't the cleverest" and "I was the most beautiful".
11You don't have to carry identity papers in England.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Simple" because it has one finite verb phrase, "don't have to carry", and one main clause.
12That's the girl who lives in the flat upstairs.
Wrong!
The sentence is "Complex" because the relative clause "who lives in the flat upstairs" depends on the main clause.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- If you eat too much, you will get fat. — Complex
- I will have a think and let you know. — Compound
- Having been there before, he knew what to expect. — Simple
- We got our roof blown off in the storm last week. — Simple
- I went to see him, but he told me to get out. — Compound
- It was John who paid for the drinks. — Complex
- My grandfather died in a hospital. — Simple
- I thought it strange that she hadn’t written. — Complex
- I looked a real fool when I fell in the river. — Complex
- I wasn’t the cleverest, but I was the most beautiful. — Compound
- You don’t have to carry identity papers in England. — Simple
- That’s the girl who lives in the flat upstairs. — Complex