State whether the following sentences are simple, complex or compound.
1. Owing to his illness, he could not attend the meeting.
A simple sentence has just one finite verb.
2. The doctor said that I had to quit smoking.
A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
3. That carpet needs to be cleaned.
A simple sentence has just one finite verb.
4. Will you miss me when I am away?
A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
5. I miss living in the mountains.
A simple sentence has just one finite verb.
6. The missing girl was found at her aunt’s place.
A simple sentence has just one finite verb.
7. How they reached there is unknown.
A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
8. She opened the book and started making notes.
A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses of the same rank.
9. He is neither intelligent nor efficient.
A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses of the same rank.
10. The man told me to go away.
A simple sentence has just one finite verb.
11. He stopped to say Hi.
A simple sentence has just one finite verb.
12. I must be losing weight.
A simple sentence has just one finite verb.
Answers
- Owing to his illness, he could not attend the meeting. (Simple sentence)
- The doctor said that I had to quit smoking. (Complex sentence)
- That carpet needs to be cleaned. (Simple sentence)
- Will you miss me when I am away? (Complex sentence)
- I miss living in the mountains. (Simple sentence)
- The missing girl was found at her aunt’s place. (Simple sentence)
- How they reached there is unknown. (Complex sentence)
- She opened the book and started making notes. (Compound sentence)
- He is neither intelligent nor efficient. (Compound sentence)
- The man told me to go away. (Simple sentence)
- He stopped to say Hi. (Simple sentence)
- I must be losing weight. (Simple sentence)