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.
1The girl looked at her brother and smiled.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because the sentence has one subject and one finite verb phrase with a compound predicate.
2Janet went to the library to borrow some books.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because the sentence has one independent clause and the infinitive phrase does not make a new clause.
3The water was so cold that we could not swim in it.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex" because the sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause introduced by "that".
4The little girl started crying when she could not find her toy.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex" because the sentence has a main clause and a time clause introduced by "when".
5I live in a large city.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because the sentence has only one independent clause.
6As soon as the bell rang, the children rushed out.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex" because the sentence has a main clause and a time clause introduced by "as soon as".
7We saw a film which was based on the life of Nelson Mandela.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex" because the sentence has a main clause and a relative clause introduced by "which".
8His crude remarks offended me.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because the sentence has only one independent clause.
9Jane and Alice had their dinner and went for a walk.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because the sentence has one clause with a compound subject and a compound predicate.
10The boys and the girls were shouting loudly.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because the sentence has one clause with a compound subject.
11The customers were happy because they got what they wanted.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Complex" because the sentence has subordinate clauses introduced by "because" and "what".
12The meeting was held in a room near the library.
Wrong!
The correct answer is "Simple" because the sentence has only one independent clause.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- The girl looked at her brother and smiled. — Simple
- Janet went to the library to borrow some books. — Simple
- The water was so cold that we could not swim in it. — Complex
- The little girl started crying when she could not find her toy. — Complex
- I live in a large city. — Simple
- As soon as the bell rang, the children rushed out. — Complex
- We saw a film which was based on the life of Nelson Mandela. — Complex
- His crude remarks offended me. — Simple
- Jane and Alice had their dinner and went for a walk. — Simple
- The boys and the girls were shouting loudly. — Simple
- The customers were happy because they got what they wanted. — Complex
- The meeting was held in a room near the library. — Simple