Read the following sentences and state whether they are simple, compound or complex.

A simple sentence consists of just one clause.

A complex sentence consists of a main clause and one or more dependent clause.

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses of the same rank.

1. As she was not feeling well, she took a day off.

2. Rani is friendly and sociable but her sister is very reserved.

3. I admire your belief that you are always right.

4. He opened the door but he didn’t see anybody.

5. We can go by bus or we can hire a taxi.

6. You shouldn’t have done this to me.

7. What am I supposed to do now?

8. She said that she has a sister working abroad.

9. I don’t know whether I will be able to come.

10. Although she seemed interested in the offer, she backed out at the last moment.

Answers

1. As she was not feeling well, she took a day off. (Complex sentence)

2. Rani is friendly and sociable but her sister is very reserved. (Compound sentence)

3. I admire your belief that you are always right. (Complex sentence)

4. He opened the door but he didn’t see anybody. (Compound sentence)

5. We can go by bus or we can hire a taxi. (Compound sentence)

6. You shouldn’t have done this to me. (Simple sentence)

7. What am I supposed to do now? (Simple sentence)

8. She said that she has a sister working abroad. (Complex sentence)

9. I don’t know whether I will be able to come. (Complex sentence)

10. Although she seemed interested in the offer, she backed out at the last moment. (Complex sentence)