A simple sentence has only one clause.
A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
A compound sentence has two or more clauses of the equal rank.
State whether the following sentences are simple, complex or compound.
1. We met rather few people who spoke English.
The given sentence has a main clause and a subordinate adjective clause.
2. I have been on rather too many planes and trains recently.
The given sentence has only one finite verb and hence it has only one clause.
3. We drove right up to Helsinki in two days.
The given sentence has only one finite verb and hence it has only one clause.
4. I don’t care how expensive it is.
The given sentence has a main clause and a subordinate noun clause which acts as the object of the verb ‘don’t care’.
5. Two minutes ago the child was fast asleep, but now he is wide awake.
The given sentence has two coordinate clauses connected by the conjunction but.
6. He is not tall enough to be a soldier.
The given sentence has only one finite verb and hence it has only one clause.
7. I guess she just doesn’t respect you.
The given sentence has a main clause and a subordinate noun clause which acts as the object of the verb ‘guess’.
8. I have got four sisters and each of them is quite different from the others.
The given sentence has two coordinate clauses connected by the conjunction and.
9. You can either come with me now or walk home.
The given sentence has two coordinate clauses connected by the conjunction either…or.
10. He will never leave home because he hasn’t got the courage to.
The given sentence has a main clause and a subordinate adverb clause.
11. When all else fails, read the user manual.
The given sentence has a main clause and a subordinate adverb clause.
12. It was Sam who paid for the drinks.
The given sentence has a main clause and a subordinate adjective clause.
Answers
1. We met rather few people who spoke English. (Complex sentence)
2. I have been on rather too many planes and trains recently. (Simple sentence)
3. We drove right up to Helsinki in two days. (Simple sentence)
4. I don’t care how expensive it is. (Complex sentence)
5. Two minutes ago the child was fast asleep, but now he is wide awake. (Compound sentence)
6. He is not tall enough to be a soldier. (Simple sentence)
7. I guess she just doesn’t respect you. (Complex sentence)
8. I have got four sisters and each of them is quite different from the others. (Compound sentence)
9. You can either come with me now or walk home. (Compound sentence)
10. He will never leave home because he hasn’t got the courage to. (Complex sentence)
11. When all else fails, read the user manual. (Complex sentence)
12. It was Sam who paid for the drinks. (Complex sentence)
