State whether the following sentences are simple, compound or complex.
1. Soldiers were forbidden to fraternize with local citizens.
A sentence that has only one clause is a simple sentence.
2. There was a lot of frantic activity just before the royal visitors arrived.
A complex sentence consists of one main clause and one or more dependent clauses.
3. Do you remember the fragrance of lilacs after a rain?
A sentence that has only one clause is a simple sentence.
4. A liking for flattery was one of his frailties.
A sentence that has only one clause is a simple sentence.
5. Perhaps certain gifted persons can foretell the future.
A sentence that has only one clause is a simple sentence.
6. Fold the napkins and put one by each plate.
A compound sentence has two or more coordinate clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction.
7. The preacher said that one of the brothers had strayed from the fold.
A complex sentence consists of one main clause and one or more dependent clauses.
8. I hated the show but it has a large following.
A compound sentence has two or more coordinate clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction.
9. He eluded his followers by crossing the river.
A sentence that has only one clause is a simple sentence.
10. Who will follow the prime minister when he retires?
A complex sentence consists of one main clause and one or more dependent clauses.
11. The rains flooded the farmlands and destroyed all crops.
12. The dinner party was a flop because the guest of honor didn’t show up.
A complex sentence consists of one main clause and one or more dependent clauses.
Answers
1. Soldiers were forbidden to fraternize with local citizens. (Simple)
2. There was a lot of frantic activity just before the royal visitors arrived. (Complex)
3. Do you remember the fragrance of lilacs after a rain? (Simple)
4. A liking for flattery was one of his frailties. (Simple)
5. Perhaps certain gifted persons can foretell the future. (Simple)
6. Fold the napkins and put one by each plate. (Compound)
7. The preacher said that one of the brothers had strayed from the fold. (Complex)
8. I hated the show but it has a large following. (Compound)
9. He eluded his followers by crossing the river. (Simple)
10. Who will follow the prime minister when he retires? (Complex)
11. The rains flooded the farmlands and destroyed all crops. (Compound)
12. The dinner party was a flop because the guest of honor didn’t show up. (Complex)
