Read the following sentences and state whether they are simple, complex or compound.
- A simple sentence has just one clause.
- A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
- A compound sentence has two or more clauses of equal rank.
1. The girl looked at her brother and smiled.
A compound sentence consists of two or more coordinate clauses. Clauses connected by and, but or or are coordinate clauses.
2. Janet went to the library to borrow some books.
The given sentence has just one finite verb and one clause. Infinitives are non-finites.
3. The water was so cold that we could not swim in it.
So…that… is a subordinating conjunction. A clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction is a subordinate clause.
4. The little girl started crying when she couldn’t find her toy.
'When' is a subordinating conjunction. Clauses introduced by subordinating conjunctions are subordinate clauses.
5. I live in a large city.
A simple sentence has just one clause.
6. As soon as the bell rang, the children rushed out.
A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
7. We saw a film which was based on the life of Nelson Mandela.
A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
8. His crude remarks offended me.
A simple sentence has just one clause.
9. Jane and Alice had their dinner and went for a walk.
A compound sentence has two or more coordinate clauses. Two clauses connected by ‘and’ are coordinate clauses.
10. The boys and the girls were shouting loudly.
The given sentence has just one clause. Therefore it is a simple sentence.
11. The customers were happy because they got what they wanted.
Because is a subordinating conjunction.
12. The meeting was held in a room near the library.
A simple sentence has just one clause.
Answers
1. The girl looked at her brother and smiled. (Compound sentence)
2. Janet went to the library to borrow some books. (Simple sentence)
3. The water was so cold that we could not swim in it. (Complex sentence)
4. The little girl started crying when she couldn’t find her toy. (Complex sentence)
5. I live in a large city. (Simple sentence)
6. As soon as the bell rang, the children rushed out. (Complex sentence)
7. We saw a film which was based on the life of Nelson Mandela. (Complex sentence)
8. His crude remarks offended me. (Simple sentence)
9. Jane and Alice had their dinner and went for a walk. (Compound sentence)
10. The boys and the girls were shouting loudly. (Simple sentence)
11. The customers were happy because they got what they wanted. (Complex sentence)
12. The meeting was held in a room near the library. (Simple sentence)
