State whether the following sentences are simple, complex or compound.
1. We went out in spite of the rain.
The given sentence has only one finite verb and hence one clause. So it is a simple sentence.
2. Do you think she is ready?
The given sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause. Hence, it is a complex sentence.
3. I am anxious to contact him.
The given sentence has only one finite verb and hence one clause. So it is a simple sentence.
4. I noticed that he seemed to be drinking a lot.
The given sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause. Hence, it is a complex sentence.
5. He came to Sydney to look for work.
The given sentence has only one finite verb and hence one clause. So it is a simple sentence.
6. My father was bitten by a dog last week.
The given sentence has only one finite verb and hence one clause. So it is a simple sentence.
7. I don’t know what I should do.
The given sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause. Hence, it is a complex sentence.
8. I neither smoke nor drink.
The given sentence has two co-ordinate clauses connected by the correlative conjunction neither/nor. Hence it is a compound sentence.
9. I didn’t sing because she was there.
The given sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause. Hence, it is a complex sentence.
10. You can stay or quit.
The given sentence has two coordinate clauses connected by the coordinating conjunction or.
11. If it helps, I will lend you some money.
12. I knocked again and again but nobody opened the door.
The given sentence has two coordinate clauses connected by the coordinating conjunction but.
Answers
1. We went out in spite of the rain. (Simple)
2. Do you think she is ready? (Complex)
3. I am anxious to contact him. (Simple)
4. I noticed that he seemed to be drinking a lot. (Complex)
5. He came to Sydney to look for work. (Simple)
6. My father was bitten by a dog last week. (Simple)
7. I don’t know what I should do. (Complex)
8. I neither smoke nor drink. (Compound)
9. I didn’t sing because she was there. (Complex)
10. You can stay or quit. (Compound)
11. If it helps, I will lend you some money. (Complex) 12. I knocked again and again but nobody opened the door. (Compound)
