In order to transform a simple sentence into a complex sentence, we have to expand a word or phrase into a subordinate clause.

Study the example given below.

• Hearing the noise, the boy woke up.

This is a simple sentence because it consists of just one clause.

We can change it into a complex sentence by expanding that participial phrase into a subordinate clause.

• The boy woke up when he heard the noise.

We can also transform the given simple sentence into a compound sentence.

A compound sentence consists of two or more main clauses. The clauses in a compound sentence are connected using coordinating conjunctions (e.g. and, but, or, nor, yet, for, so)

• The boy heard the noise and woke up.

Exercise

Transform the following simple sentences into complex or compound sentences.

1. Knocking at the gate, he demanded admission.

2. Blinded by a dust storm, they lost their way.

3. Deceived by his friends, he lost all hope.

4. Driven by hunger, he stole a piece of bread.

5. Overwhelmed with grief, the poor widow killed herself.

6. The sea being smooth, we went for a sail.

7. Weather permitting, the match will be held tomorrow afternoon.

Answers

1. He knocked at the gate and demanded admission.

2. As they were blinded by a dust storm, they lost their way.

3. As he was deceived by his friends, he lost all hope.

4. Because he was driven by hunger, he stole a piece of bread.

5. As she was overwhelmed with grief, the poor widow killed herself.

6. Because the sea was smooth, we went for a sail.

7. If weather permits, the match will be held tomorrow afternoon.