SIMPLE COMPLEX AND COMPOUND SENTENCES

 

SENTENCE

A sentence is a group of logically arranged words which has a complete sense. It must have at least one finite verb. It may have other parts of speech, also.

Based on the number of finite verbs, clause (conjunction), and conjunction; sentences are divided into four types-

Simple, complex, compound, and mixed (complex-compound) sentences.

A. SIMPLE SENTENCE

Definition

A sentence that has only one finite verb is called a simple sentence. 

Different forms of simple sentences

1.    My father waited for the bus.

1. Single subject – My father,
2. Single finite verb - waited

2.    He was a gentleman.

1. Single subject – He,
2. Single main verb - was

3.    Seema and Jaya lost their way.

1. Compound subject– Seema and Jaya,
2. Single finite verb - lost
3. 'and' is not a clause conjunction.

4.    I looked for charts and sketches. 

1. Subject – I,
2. Single finite Verb – looked, 
3. Compound object- charts and sketches-'and' is not a clause conjunction.

5.    Hemesh reads and enjoys the novel 

1. Subject – Hemesh, 
2. Compound verb (considered as single verb)-   reads and enjoys-'and' is not a clause conjunction.

Examples of the simple sentence

1. ·       Manipal is a teacher.
2. ·       Her brother is a doctor.
3. ·       Being hungry, we cooked food himself.
4. ·       The boy entered the room.
5. ·       Turning to left, he reached postoffice.
6. ·       Teacher came out after ten minutes.
7. ·       He worked hard.
8. ·       Rahul did not fail the examination.
9. ·       After completing his work, he left for home.
10. ·       Study hard.

In the above sentence, bold words are finite/main verbs. All the above sentences have only one finite verb; hence these are simple sentences.

METHODS FOR MAKING SIMPLE SENTENCE

Simple sentences are formed by the following methods-

1.      Present Participle (Verb + ing):

a.      Closing the room, he started his project.

b.      Having our dinner, we went to bed.

2.      Past Participle (III form of verb):

a.      We were enjoying the show presented by Rudresh.

b.      A book written by Ratanlal won the national award.

3.      Perfect Participle (having/being + III form of verb):

a.      Being punished by the principal, the boy left the school.

b.      Having eaten his food, the boy saw the episode.

4.      Infinitive (To + I form of Verb):

a.      He is not ready to speak the truth.

b.      He had been working hard to complete his project on time.

5.      Gerund (Verb + ing as a noun):

a.      Seeing is believing.

b.      Dancing is good exercise.

6.      Preposition + Gerund:

a.      On hearing a noise, he woke up.

b.      After finishing his homework, he will play chess.

7.      Preposition + Noun (or noun phrase):

a. Despite his weak health, he presented his paper in a seminar.

b.      I couldn’t attend the class due to my illness.

c.      Besides getting him a job, they also built a house for him.

8.      Absolute Phrase (Noun + Participle):

a.      The sun having risen, the birds started chirping.

b.      The house being abandoned, it looks like a horror scene.

9.      Phrase in Apposition (two noun phrases side by side referring to the same person or thing):

a.      Zorawar, my faithful dog, always accompanies me.

b.      Riya, my daughter, likes ice cream.

B.COMPLEX SENTENCE

A sentence that has more than one finite verb and at least one subordinate conjunction is called a complex sentence. It has one main and other dependent clauses.

A list of subordinate conjunctions is given below-

Rule to write Complex sentences-

1.    if we use principal clause first, then we don’t use comma (,) before subordinate conjunction. PRINCIPAL CLAUSE + SUBORDINATE CONJUNCTION + SUBORDINATE CLAUSE ·       I have seen the shop which was owned by Rahul. ·       You have to finish your work If you want to go. 2.    But if we use subordinate clause first then we must use comma (,) after subordinate clause. SUBORDINATE CONJUNCTION + SUBORDINATE CLAUSE, PRINCIPAL CLAUSE ·       When you come to my center, I will give you my diary. ·       If you want to go, you have to finish your work.

More examples of complex sentences-

a) Doctors claim that cancer is curable now.

b) Students kept silent when the teacher entered the classroom.

c) The teacher punished the student who was making noise.

d) Students left the ground as soon as they saw the PTI.

METHODS FOR MAKING COMPLEX SENTENCES

To transform any sentence into a complex sentence we must choose Sub-ordinate Conjunctions.  Some of the very common sub-ordinate conjunction and their use in making complex sentences is given below-

1.               Although:             

a.       Although the train was late, he could not catch it.

b.      Although he is hard working, he cannot earn much for his family.

2.               As (manner):        

a.       Do as you like it.

b.      Select the song as you want it.

3.               As (reason):        

a.       She got the reward as she worked hard.

b.      I couldn’t prepare the project as I was out of the station.

4.               As … as:              

a.       I am as good as Anuj (is).

b.      Today, the clouds are as white as snow.

5.               After:                   

a.       He came after I had left the restaurant.

b.      I entered the office after he had chaired at his place.

6.               As soon as:           

a.       As soon as Neeru saw the cockroaches, he started screaming.

b.      As soon as I saw the question paper, I started smiling.

7.               Because:             

a.       He cannot join us because he is out of the station.

b.      The teacher couldn’t come because it was raining heavily.

8.               Before:                 

a.       My mother had left home before we reached there.

b.      The Principal had announced the winner before the program ended.

9.               Hardly … when: 

a.       Hardly had we left the school when it started raining.

b.      Hardly had we moved one mile when we met a tiger in the jungle.

10.           If:                         

a.       If you work hard, you’ll get the reward.

b.      If you call me, I will, always, be there to help you.

11.           If / Whether:     

a.       She wanted to know whether (if) Krishna was there or not.

b. The shopkeeper asked if you pay me the bill amount in cash or transfer online.

12.            so that:   

a.       He worked hard so that he could pass the test.

b.      My sister practiced the songs many times so that she could get selected for the annual meet.

13.           Lest:                 

a.       The man tried to walk faster, lest he should leave behind.

b.      You walked carefully on the muddy road, lest you should fall.

14.           So … that:         

a.       This box is so heavy that I cannot pick it up.

b.      I rushed to college so that I can pick up my daughters on time.

15.           While:               

a.       Play outside while the sun shines.

b.      Just dry the clothes in the sun while I am inside the house.

16.           So that:               

a.       Keep the door shut so that no one can enter.

b.      Book your tickets in advance so that you can take seats in the front row.

17.           So … as:             

a.       Veenu is not so brave, as Rohit is.

b.      I am not so cool, as my mother is.

18.           Since (reason):  

a.       Since it’s raining, we cannot go to watch the movie.

b.      We decided to stay home since the weather is not pleasant.

19.           Where:                

a.       This is the place where we started our first shop.

b.      This is the playground where we won our first cricket match.

20.           That:                   

a.       We know that he is a good person.

b.      Veeshu argued that she wouldn’t come to attend the show.

21.           Though:              

a.       Though he woke up early, he missed the train.

b.      Though we had prepared well, the guest was not happy.

22.           Till:                     

a.       Wait till I return.

b.      Stand by the office building till Shekhar blows the whistle.

23.           Until:                  

a.       Do not go out until I return.

b.      Don’t enter the examination hall until you show your admit card.

24.           Unless:               

a.       Unless you help him, his project will fail.

b.      Unless you learn from your mother, you cannot prepare a delicious cake.

25.           When:                

a.       It was a summer evening when he returned.

b.      My brother was sleeping when someone knocked on the door very hard.

26.           The more … the more/ (comparative degree):   

a.       The more he gets, the more he wants. 

b.       The more you practice the better you will be. 

c.      The more you study, the more you will get.

27.           No sooner … than:       

a.       No sooner did I see the snake than I started screaming.

b.      No sooner did he reach the station than the train started moving.

28.    Otherwise:

a.       Be attentive, otherwise, you’ll miss the idea.

b.      Make a hurry, otherwise someone else will grab this opportunity.

29.           While:

a.       He failed while his brother passed the examination.

b.      He laughed while his friend wept after watching the movie.

30.           Whereas:

a.       He is rich whereas his brother is poor.

b.      He is honest whereas his company is a cheat.

C. COMPOUND SENTENCES

A sentence that has more than one finite verb and at least one coordinate conjunction is called a complex sentence. It has independent clauses.

Both clauses are connected to one another with a coordinating conjunction or conjunctive adverbs. The list is given below-

1.    Coordinating Conjunctions are easy to remember as "FAN BOYS" - Reason for      1.     I had to complete my project alone, for Jane was absent.      2.     She bought a mango, for she was hungry Addition and      1.     Mridul was in the park, and he decided to wait for his friend.      2.     Desiree lives in Alaska, and she is a park ranger at the National Forest there. To add negative information nor      1.     Kishore didn’t attend the party, nor did he stay at his home.      2.     He does not enjoy eating vegetables, nor does he enjoy eating fruit. Contrast but         1.      Most people do not walk, but they go to the gym for exercise.      2.     I started learning English very late, but I could learn it within a few weeks. Alternate/choice Or,      1.     Make sure you work hard, or you will not be able to score good marks.      2.     We can see a horror movie, or we can see an action movie. Contrast yet      1.     His presence in the meeting was very important, yet he made excuses.      2.     The test was difficult, yet everyone received higher than a “C” grade. showing result so      1.     I had many unused things with me so I decided to donate them.      2.     I won first prize, so my parents were called on stage.  2.    Conjunctive Adverbs (moreover, however, indeed, therefore, at least) Addition also, furthermore, moreover, besides 1. Bindiya was late for the office due to heavy rain; furthermore, her shoe heel had broken and she had forgotten her lunch, too. 2. Rahul ordered earphones, a wristband, and a mobile cove; moreover, he added a new phone to this list. Comparison similarly, likewise 1. Recycling aluminum cans is beneficial to the environment; similarly, reusing plastic bags reduces waste. 2. Our teacher formatted our question paper according to the new pattern; likewise, it is formatted by MIET School. Contrast instead, however, conversely 1. Most people do not walk to work; instead, they drive or take public transport. 2. My friend believed in the false allegations; however, the truth is not that. Emphasis namely, certainly, indeed 1. Few animal species are very rare; indeed, they are about to extinct. 2. I kept all the delivery packets in the store; certainly, you will get them there. Cause and Effect accordingly, consequently, hence, thus 1. Suraj prepared his presentation and rehearsed it very well; consequently, he presented it very well. 2. Ayushi was selected for Officer Rank; hence, she was called in many functions. Reason finally, next, subsequently, then 1. Rahul learned to prepare tea and tried many times to prepare it well; finally, he got success in it. 2. Ritu is a hardworking girl, and she studied day and night for her examination; subsequently, she got the first position in the university.

Rules for writing a compound sentence- Basically, a compound contains two simple sentences (independent clauses). these can be joined either by a coordinate conjunction or by a conjunctive adverb, and both have different rules-

1.    When we use coordinate conjunctions (other than ‘and’), we use comma (,) after first independent clause.

INDEPENDENT CLAUSE, + COORDINATE CONJUNCTION + INDEPENDENT CLAUSE Example – ·       He is going to college, but his sister is going to shop. ·       I was not feeling well, so I went to clinic. ·       I met Suresh, and offered him to join my company.

 2.    When we use conjunctive adverbs (moreover, however, indeed, therefore, at least) we use the semicolon (;) after the first independent clause.

INDEPENDENT CLAUSE; + CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS, + INDEPENDENT CLAUSE Examples- (look at the use of a semicolon (;) and a comma (,)) ·       Meera likes Sonia; however, Sonia doesn’t like Meera. ·       Today is the last day for admission; therefore, I will go to college by anyhow.

More examples of compound sentences

1. ·       She did not cheat anyone, for she believes in God.
2. ·       I want to visit the patients, but I am suffering from high fever.
3. ·       I want to lose my weight, yet I eat sweets.
4. ·       He ran out of money, so must stop spending money on useless things.
5. ·       Everyone was busy, so Sonu went to the movie alone.
6. ·       I thought to go to Kerala, but I could not.
7. ·       Should we start class now, or wait for everyone to get here?
8. ·       Mr. Sharma didn't want to go to the dentist, yet he went anyway.

In the above sentences, bold words are coordinate conjunctions; hence above sentences are compound sentences.

METHODS FOR MAKING COMPOUND SENTENCES

To transform any sentence into a compound sentence we must choose Co-ordinate Conjunctions:

Some of the very common co-ordinate conjunction and their use in making compound sentences is given below-         

       1.          For (because):

a.               I forgive him for he is my younger sister.

b.              I told her to leave, for I was very tired.

2.               And:

a.               He went to the market and brought sweets.

b.              Rohan participated in a program and won second prize.

3.               Nor:

a.               She doesn’t drink milk, nor does she eat butter.

b.              I can’t whistle, nor can I sing.

4.               But:

a.               She is sad but hopeful.

b.              She is beautiful but not kind.

5.               Or:

a.               He can buy the book, or he can borrow it from the library.

b.              Come inside the cabin or stand at the end of the queue.

6.               Yet:

a.               Everybody knows the truth, yet no one wants to speak about it.

b.              I don't like public transport, yet I am traveling by bus to reach on time.

7.               So:

a.               He wanted a job so he went to Delhi.

b.              He wanted a degree so he went to take admission in College.

8.                Either … or:

a.             Either he can attend the meeting or he can wait for the chairperson here. 

b.            Either Hemant can go to Sherganj or Vidya can come here to meet him.

9.               Not only … but also:

a.           Not only Renu writes in Hindi but Mita also writes in the same language.

b.          Not only Pramod wanted his transfer but his family members were also excited to go to the city.

 10.              Neither … nor:

a.       Neither the principal approved the project nor the teachers agreed to it.

b.      Neither he speaks Hindi well nor does he write it properly. 

11.  Still:

a.       He worked hard, but still he failed.

b.      I completed the task on time, still I am still waiting for my payments.

Exercise-1

Identify the types of sentences-                 

1.    Suresh can wait or leave.                                                                       
2.    Neither the teacher, nor his method is impressive.                                 
3.    He was angry because Meenu denied his order.                                      
4.    Ritu is not only intelligent but also industrious.                                    
5.    As they haven’t cleared the bill, yet we'll not continue the business.       
6.    He is rich, but he will not help anyone.                                                  
7.    I will try until I succeed.                                                                           
8.    Vibhu didn’t realize that she was giving a wrong command.                   
9.    Jumping high, he reached for the mango.                                                    
10.  Where have you gone?                                                                                
11.  I don’t know the rules to transform sentences.                                             
12.  She said that she would call Hanu.                                                            
13.  Our coach will host a pizza party when we win our first game.                
14.  Ayushi and Ritu went to university.                                                              
15.  Life is a bed of thorns.                                                                                  
16.  I like this poster, but she doesn’t.                                                            
17.  Man struggles hard to earn his living.                                                           
18.  Everybody runs after money, and wants to enjoy power.                        
19.  This is the place where we met before three years.                                   
20.  I love my country. 

                                                                                       

Exercise-2

Identify types of sentences

1. Ayushi is the only girl who spoke English.

2. I have a lot of English books and magazines.

3. I don’t know how to do it.

4. Tarun was very well, but now he is looking very weak.

5. He is not strong enough to be a soldier.

6. I guess your younger son just doesn’t respect you.

7. I have got four sisters, and all are graduates.

8. You can either come with me now, or you can walk home.

9. He will never leave this town because he is emotional.

10. Our Discipline coordinator is very polite, yet students are afraid of him.

Exercise-3

Identify the following sentences, whether Simple, Compound, or Complex Sentence

1. All the flights have been cancelled owing to the bad weather.
2. He had many faults, but he was a good man at heart.
3. It has been ages since I saw you.
4. The fact that he is silent proves his guilt.
5. He finished his work and put away his books.

6. Unless he completes the work, he will be punished.

7. He could not win a scholarship due to his carelessness.

8. You must work hard or you will not pass.

9. The fruits in the glass bowl are for the guests.

10. The flowers in the vase have wilted because of the heat.

11. All the flights have been cancelled owing to the bad weather.

12. The fruits in the glass bowl are for the guests.

13. It has been ages since I saw you.

14. The flowers in the vase have wilted because of the heat.

15. When the sun had risen, we resumed our journey.