A simple sentence has only one clause.
A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
A compound sentence has two or more clauses of the equal rank.
State whether the following sentences are simple, complex or compound.
1We met rather few people who spoke English.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex sentence" because "who spoke English" is a subordinate relative clause.
2I have been on rather too many planes and trains recently.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple sentence" because the sentence has one independent clause.
3We drove right up to Helsinki in two days.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple sentence" because the sentence has one independent clause.
4I don’t care how expensive it is.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex sentence" because "how expensive it is" is a subordinate noun clause.
5Two minutes ago the child was fast asleep, but now he is wide awake.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Compound sentence" because two independent clauses are joined by "but".
6He is not tall enough to be a soldier.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple sentence" because the sentence has one independent clause.
7I guess she just doesn’t respect you.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex sentence" because "she just doesn’t respect you" is a subordinate noun clause after "guess".
8I have got four sisters, and each of them is quite different from the others.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Compound sentence" because two independent clauses are joined by "and".
9You can either come with me now or walk home.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple sentence" because "come with me now" and "walk home" share the same subject and modal verb.
10He will never leave home because he hasn’t got the courage to.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex sentence" because "because he hasn’t got the courage to" is a subordinate adverb clause.
11When all else fails, read the user manual.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex sentence" because "When all else fails" is a subordinate adverb clause.
12It was Sam who paid for the drinks.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex sentence" because "who paid for the drinks" is a subordinate relative clause.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- We met rather few people who spoke English. — Complex sentence
- I have been on rather too many planes and trains recently. — Simple sentence
- We drove right up to Helsinki in two days. — Simple sentence
- I don’t care how expensive it is. — Complex sentence
- Two minutes ago the child was fast asleep, but now he is wide awake. — Compound sentence
- He is not tall enough to be a soldier. — Simple sentence
- I guess she just doesn’t respect you. — Complex sentence
- I have got four sisters, and each of them is quite different from the others. — Compound sentence
- You can either come with me now or walk home. — Simple sentence
- He will never leave home because he hasn’t got the courage to. — Complex sentence
- When all else fails, read the user manual. — Complex sentence
- It was Sam who paid for the drinks. — Complex sentence