Saturday, 5 September 2026

Day 14 Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences — Complete Guide

Day 14Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences — Complete Guide

📚 OVERVIEW (Quick Reference)

Sentence Type

Definition

Key Feature

Simple

One independent clause (one subject + one predicate)

One complete idea

Compound

Two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction

Two equal ideas

Complex

One independent clause + one or more dependent clauses

One main + one subordinate idea


🔷 1. SIMPLE SENTENCE

English: A simple sentence has one subject and one predicate (verb) and expresses a complete thought.
Nepali:
सरल वाक्यमा एउटा कर्ता एउटा क्रिया हुन्छ यसले पूर्ण अर्थ दिन्छ।

Useful Tips:

  • It has only one independent clause.
  • It can have compound subjects or verbs (e.g., Ram and Shyam went – still simple).
  • It cannot have a dependent clause.
  • It is short, direct, and easy to understand.

10 Examples of Simple Sentences

#

English

Nepali

1

The sun rises in the east.

सूर्य पूर्वमा उदाउँछ।

2

She reads a book every day.

उनी हरेक दिन एउटा किताब पढ्छिन्।

3

Ram and Sita went to the temple.

राम सीता मन्दिर गए।

4

The baby is sleeping peacefully.

बच्चा शान्तिपूर्वक सुतिरहेको छ।

5

He runs fast.

छिटो दौडिन्छ।

6

We completed the project on time.

हामीले समयमै परियोजना सक्यौं।

7

The teacher explained the lesson.

शिक्षकले पाठ बुझाउनुभयो।

8

My father works in a bank.

मेरो बुबा बैंकमा काम गर्नुहुन्छ।

9

They play football every evening.

तिनीहरू हरेक साँझ फुटबल खेल्छन्।

10

The food tastes delicious.

खाना स्वादिष्ट लाग्छ।


🔶 2. COMPOUND SENTENCE

English: A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) or a semicolon.
Nepali:
मिश्रित (यौगिक) वाक्यमा दुई वा दुईभन्दा बढी स्वतन्त्र उपवाक्यहरू संयोजक शब्दले जोडिएका हुन्छन्।

Useful Tips:

  • Both clauses are equal – neither depends on the other.
  • Common conjunctions: and, but, or, so, for, nor, yet.
  • You can also use a semicolon (;) without a conjunction.
  • Each clause can stand alone as a sentence.
  • When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, a comma usually comes before the conjunction.

FANBOYS

Letter

Conjunction

Main Meaning

F

For

किनभने / कारण

A

And

/ अनि

N

Nor

/ पनि होइन

B

But

तर

O

Or

वा / अथवा

Y

Yet

तैपनि / यद्यपि

S

So

त्यसैले / त्यसकारण

10 Examples of Compound Sentences

#

English

Nepali

1

I wanted to go, but I was too tired.

जान चाहन्थें, तर धेरै थाकेको थिएँ।

2

She studied hard, so she passed the exam.

उनले धेरै मेहनत गरिन्, त्यसैले उनी परीक्षामा पास भइन्।

3

He likes tea, and she likes coffee.

उसलाई चिया मन पर्छ, उसलाई कफी मन पर्छ।

4

You can stay here, or you can come with us.

तपाईं यहाँ बस्न सक्नुहुन्छ, वा हामीसँग आउन सक्नुहुन्छ।

5

She didn't call, nor did she send a message.

उनले फोन गरिनन्, सन्देश नै पठाइन्।

6

It was raining, yet we went out.

पानी परिरहेको थियो, तैपनि हामी बाहिर गयौं।

7

I was hungry, so I made a sandwich.

भोको थिएँ, त्यसैले मैले स्यान्डविच बनाएँ।

8

He is rich, but he is not happy.

धनी , तर खुसी छैन।

9

She loves music; she plays the piano daily.

उनलाई संगीत मन पर्छ; उनी दैनिक पियानो बजाउँछिन्।

10

We can start now, or we can wait for everyone.

हामी अहिले सुरु गर्न सक्छौं, वा सबैको लागि पर्खन सक्छौं।


🔷 3. COMPLEX SENTENCE

English: A complex sentence has one independent clause and one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses joined by a subordinating conjunction (because, although, since, when, while, if, unless, etc.) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that).
Nepali:
जटिल वाक्यमा एउटा मुख्य उपवाक्य एउटा वा धेरै आश्रित उपवाक्यहरू हुन्छन्, जुन अधीनस्थ संयोजक वा सम्बन्धवाचक सर्वनामद्वारा जोडिएका हुन्छन्।

Useful Tips:

  • The dependent clause cannot stand alone – it needs the main clause.
  • Common subordinating conjunctions include because, although, since, when, while, if, unless, after, before, until, etc.
  • Relative pronouns include who, whom, which, that, whose.
  • The dependent clause can come before or after the main clause.
  • If the dependent clause comes first, put a comma after it.
  • If the dependent clause comes after the main clause, a comma is usually not required.

10 Examples of Complex Sentences

#

English

Nepali

1

Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

यद्यपि पानी परिरहेको थियो, हामी हिँड्न गयौं।

2

She passed the exam because she studied hard.

उनी परीक्षामा पास भइन् किनभने उनले धेरै पढिन्।

3

The man who helped me is my neighbor.

जसले मलाई मद्दत गरे, त्यो मान्छे मेरो छिमेकी हो।

4

When I arrived, the meeting had already started.

जब पुगें, बैठक पहिल्यै सुरु भइसकेको थियो।

5

If you work hard, you will succeed.

यदि तिमीले मेहनत गर्यौ भने, तिमी सफल हुनेछौ।

6

He left the room after he finished his speech.

उसले आफ्नो भाषण सकेपछि कोठा छोड्यो।

7

The book that I borrowed is very interesting.

मैले सापटी लिएको किताब धेरै रोचक छ।

8

Since she was tired, she went to bed early.

किनभने उनी थाकेकी थिइन्, उनी चाँडै सुत्न गइन्।

9

We will stay here until the rain stops.

हामी यहाँ बस्नेछौं जबसम्म पानी रोकिँदैन।

10

Although he is young, he is very wise.

यद्यपि जवान , धेरै बुद्धिमान छ।


⚠️ IMPORTANT COMPARISON TABLE

Feature

Simple

Compound

Complex

Clauses

1 independent

2+ independent

1 independent + 1+ dependent

Conjunctions

None usually

Coordinating (FANBOYS)

Subordinating (because, although, etc.) / relative words

Can clauses stand alone?

Yes

Yes, both independent clauses

Only the main clause

Punctuation

No comma usually

Comma before coordinating conjunction

Comma if dependent clause comes first

Example

He runs fast.

He runs fast, but he is tired.

Although he runs fast, he is tired.


🧠 PRO TIPS FOR EXAMS & WRITING

1. To identify the sentence type, count the clauses.

  • 1 independent clause → Simple
  • 2 or more independent clauses → Compound
  • 1 independent + at least 1 dependent clause → Complex

2. Look for conjunctions.

  • and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor → usually Compound
  • because, although, when, if, since, while, unless, after, before → usually Complex
  • No clause-joining conjunction → may be Simple

⚠️ Important: Do not identify a sentence only by looking for a word such as and.
For example:

I like tea and coffee.

This is Simple, because and joins two objects, not two independent clauses.

Compare:

I like tea, and I drink coffee every morning.

This is Compound, because and joins two independent clauses.


3. Comma Rule

If the dependent clause comes first:

Because it rained, we stayed home.

✅ Use a comma.

If the dependent clause comes after the main clause:

We stayed home because it rained.

✅ Usually no comma.


4. Avoid Run-On Sentences

Do not join two independent clauses with only a comma.

I was tired, I went home.

This is a comma splice.

Correct:

I was tired, so I went home.

or

I was tired; I went home.


🔍 EASY WAY TO REMEMBER

SIMPLE

One independent clause

She smiled.

COMPOUND

Independent + FANBOYS + Independent

She smiled, and I laughed.

COMPLEX

Dependent + Independent

Although she was nervous, she smiled.


📝 QUICK EXERCISE — Identify the Type

Write Simple, Compound, or Complex.

Sentence

Type

1. She sings beautifully.

__________

2. He was late, so he missed the bus.

__________

3. Although he was late, he caught the bus.

__________

4. I like tea and coffee.

__________

5. She finished her work, and she went home.

__________

Answers

1.      Simple

2.      Compound

3.      Complex

4.      Simpleand joins two objects, not two clauses.

5.      Compound


⭐ GOLDEN RULE

Remember these three formulas:

🔵 SIMPLE

1 Independent Clause

Subject + Verb + Complete Idea

She works hard.

🟠 COMPOUND

Independent Clause + FANBOYS + Independent Clause

She works hard, so she succeeds.

🟢 COMPLEX

Dependent Clause + Independent Clause

Because she works hard, she succeeds.

Final Memory Trick

SIMPLE = ONE

COMPOUND = EQUAL + EQUAL

COMPLEX = MAIN + DEPENDENT

 

50 Clear Examples of Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

🔷 SECTION A: SIMPLE SENTENCES (20 Examples)

एउटा कर्ता + एउटा क्रिया + पूर्ण अर्थ
One subject + one verb + complete thought

#

English

Nepali

1

The dog barked loudly.

कुकुरले चर्को स्वरमा भुक्यो।

2

She writes poems every night.

उनी हरेक राति कविता लेख्छिन्।

3

My brother works in a hospital.

मेरो दाजु अस्पतालमा काम गर्नुहुन्छ।

4

The flowers bloom in spring.

फूलहरू वसन्तमा फुल्छन्।

5

He ate an apple.

उसले एउटा स्याउ खायो।

6

The train arrived late.

रेल ढिलो आयो।

7

Children love ice cream.

बच्चाहरूलाई आइसक्रिम मन पर्छ।

8

She danced gracefully.

उनले सुन्दर नृत्य गरिन्।

9

The sun is shining brightly.

सूर्य चम्किलो रूपमा चम्किरहेको छ।

10

We visited the museum yesterday.

हामीले हिजो संग्रहालयको भ्रमण गर्यौं।

11

He speaks three languages fluently.

धाराप्रवाह तीन भाषा बोल्छ।

12

The baby smiled at her mother.

बच्चाले आमालाई मुस्कुरायो।

13

My father bought a new car.

मेरो बुबाले नयाँ गाडी किन्नुभयो।

14

The river flows through the valley.

नदी उपत्यकाबाट बग्छ।

15

She opened the window.

उनले झ्याल खोलिन्।

16

The students listened carefully.

विद्यार्थीहरूले ध्यानपूर्वक सुने।

17

He drives very slowly.

धेरै ढिलो गाडी चलाउँछ।

18

The book belongs to Riya.

किताब रियाको हो।

19

Birds fly in the sky.

चराहरू आकाशमा उड्छन्।

20

We finished our homework.

हामीले हाम्रो गृहकार्य सक्यौं।


🔶 SECTION B: COMPOUND SENTENCES (15 Examples)

दुई वा बढी स्वतन्त्र उपवाक्य + संयोजक (and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor)
Two or more independent clauses + conjunction

#

English

Nepali

21

I wanted to buy a car, but I didn't have enough money.

गाडी किन्न चाहन्थें, तर मसँग पर्याप्त पैसा थिएन।

22

She studied all night, so she passed the exam easily.

उनले रातभरि पढिन्, त्यसैले उनी सजिलै परीक्षा पास भइन्।

23

He can come with us, or he can stay here.

हामीसँग आउन सक्छ, वा यहाँ बस्न सक्छ।

24

The food was delicious, yet it was very expensive.

खाना स्वादिष्ट थियो, तैपनि धेरै महँगो थियो।

25

She didn't answer the phone, nor did she reply to the text.

उनले फोन उठाइनन्, सन्देशको जवाफ नै दिइन्।

26

I was tired, so I went to bed early.

थाकेको थिएँ, त्यसैले चाँडै सुत्न गएँ।

27

He is very rich, but he is not generous.

धेरै धनी , तर उदार छैन।

28

You must hurry, or you will miss the bus.

तिमी छिटो गर, नत्र तिमी बस छुटाउनेछौ।

29

She loves reading books, and she also enjoys writing poetry.

उनलाई किताब पढ्न मन पर्छ, उनी कविता लेख्न पनि रमाउँछिन्।

30

He forgot his wallet, so he couldn't pay the bill.

उसले आफ्नो वालेट बिर्सियो, त्यसैले उसले बिल तिर्न सकेन।

31

The movie was long, yet it was entertaining.

चलचित्र लामो थियो, तैपनि मनोरञ्जनात्मक थियो।

32

I called him, but he didn't answer.

मैले उसलाई फोन गरें, तर उसले उठाएन।

33

She works hard, so she deserves success.

उनी कडा मेहनत गर्छिन्, त्यसैले उनी सफलताकी हकदार छिन्।

34

We can eat at home, or we can go to a restaurant.

हामी घरमा खान सक्छौं, वा हामी रेस्टुरेन्ट जान सक्छौं।

35

He is intelligent, yet he often makes silly mistakes.

बुद्धिमान , तैपनि प्रायः मूर्ख गल्ती गर्छ।


🔷 SECTION C: COMPLEX SENTENCES (15 Examples)

एउटा मुख्य उपवाक्य + एक वा बढी आश्रित उपवाक्य (because, although, when, if, who, which, that)
One main clause + one or more dependent clauses

#

English

Nepali

36

Although it was raining heavily, we went out for a walk.

यद्यपि धेरै पानी परिरहेको थियो, हामी हिँड्न बाहिर गयौं।

37

She succeeded because she never gave up.

उनी सफल भइन् किनभने उनले कहिल्यै हार मानिनन्।

38

The boy who is standing there is my cousin.

त्यहाँ उभिएको केटा मेरो काकाको छोरा हो।

39

When the teacher entered, the students stood up.

जब शिक्षक भित्र पस्नुभयो, विद्यार्थीहरू उभिए।

40

If you practice daily, you will improve your skills.

यदि तिमी दैनिक अभ्यास गर्यौ भने, तिमी आफ्नो सीप सुधार्नेछौ।

41

He left the party after he said goodbye to everyone.

उसले सबैलाई बिदा गरेपछि पार्टी छोड्यो।

42

The book that I bought yesterday is very expensive.

मैले हिजो किनेको किताब धेरै महँगो छ।

43

Since she was feeling unwell, she stayed home.

किनभने उनी अस्वस्थ महसुस गरिरहेकी थिइन्, उनी घरमा बसिन्।

44

We will wait here until the bus arrives.

हामी यहाँ पर्खनेछौं जबसम्म बस आउँदैन।

45

Although he is very old, he is still active.

यद्यपि धेरै बूढो , अझै सक्रिय छ।

46

The woman whom you met yesterday is my aunt.

तपाईंले हिजो भेट्नुभएकी महिला मेरी काकी हुनुहुन्छ।

47

Because he lied, he lost everyone's trust.

किनभने उसले झूट बोल्यो, उसले सबैको विश्वास गुमायो।

48

While I was cooking, the phone rang.

जब खाना पकाउँदै थिएँ, फोन बज्यो।

49

She didn't go to work because she was sick.

उनी बिरामी भएकाले काममा गइनन्।

50

The house which has a red door belongs to my uncle.

रातो ढोका भएको घर मेरो काकाको हो।


📊 QUICK REFERENCE CHART

Feature

Simple

Compound

Complex

Number of Clauses

1 independent

2+ independent

1 independent + 1+ dependent

Conjunctions Used

None

and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor

because, although, when, if, since, while, who, which, that

Can clause stand alone?

Yes

Yes (all clauses)

Only the main clause

Punctuation

No comma

Comma before conjunction

Comma if dependent clause comes first

Example

He runs fast.

He runs fast, but he is tired.

Although he runs fast, he is tired.


✅ QUICK IDENTIFICATION TIPS

1. Find the number of verbs/subjects

If there is only one independent clause, it is Simple.

2. Look for FANBOYS

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

When FANBOYS joins two independent clauses, the sentence is Compound.

3. Look for subordinators or relative words

Common words include:

because, although, when, if, since, while, unless, who, whom, which, that

These often indicate a Complex sentence when they introduce a dependent clause.

4. Remember the most important rule

A dependent clause cannot stand alone.

For example:

Because I was tired.

This is incomplete.

Because I was tired, I went to bed.

This is a Complex Sentence.

⭐ Easy Formula

SIMPLE:
1 Independent Clause

She works hard.

COMPOUND:
Independent + FANBOYS + Independent

She works hard, so she succeeds.

COMPLEX:
Dependent + Independent

Because she works hard, she succeeds.

50 FILL-IN-THE-BLANKS


SECTION A: SIMPLE SENTENCES (1–15)

1.      The sun ______ in the east every morning.
(rise / rises / rose / rising)

2.      She ______ a beautiful song at the concert last night.
(sing / sings / sang / sung)

3.      My father ______ to office every day at 8 AM.
(go / goes / went / going)

4.      The children ______ playing in the garden now.
(is / are / was / were)

5.      He ______ his homework before dinner.
(finish / finishes / finished / finishing)

6.      The train ______ at 6 PM every evening.
(arrive / arrives / arrived / arriving)

7.      She ______ a new dress for the party.
(buy / buys / bought / buying)

8.      The dog ______ loudly at the stranger.
(bark / barks / barked / barking)

9.      We ______ our grandparents every Sunday.
(visit / visits / visited / visiting)

10. The moon ______ brightly in the night sky.
(shine / shines / shone / shining)

11. He ______ to become a doctor.
(want / wants / wanted / wanting)

12. The birds ______ away when they saw the cat.
(fly / flies / flew / flying)

13. She ______ tea rather than coffee.
(prefer / prefers / preferred / preferring)

14. The rain ______ suddenly, so we got wet.
(start / starts / started / starting)

15. I ______ my keys somewhere in the house.
(lose / loses / lost / losing)


SECTION B: COMPOUND SENTENCES (16–35)

16. I wanted to go to the party, ______ I was too tired.
(and / but / or / so)

17. She studied very hard, ______ she passed the exam with flying colors.
(but / or / so / yet)

18. You can have coffee, ______ you can have tea.
(and / but / or / for)

19. He didn't study, ______ he failed the test.
(so / but / or / for)

20. She is very rich, ______ she is not happy.
(and / but / so / because)

21. We can go to the park, ______ we can stay home and watch a movie.
(and / but / or / so)

22. He worked hard all year, ______ he deserved a promotion.
(but / or / so / yet)

23. She didn't call me, ______ did she send a message.
(and / nor / but / so)

24. The food was expensive, ______ it was not very tasty.
(and / but / so / for)

25. He was tired, ______ he continued working.
(but / so / or / yet)
Note: yet and but both work; but is more common.

26. I love reading novels, ______ my sister prefers watching movies.
(and / but / so / for)

27. He missed the bus, ______ he ran all the way to school.
(but / so / or / for)

28. She practiced daily, ______ she became a skilled pianist.
(and / but / so / yet)

29. We can go out for dinner, ______ we can order pizza at home.
(and / but / or / so)

30. The room was dark, ______ he turned on the light.
(but / so / or / for)

31. He is very smart, ______ he lacks common sense.
(and / but / so / for)

32. She didn't eat anything, ______ she wasn't hungry.
(and / but / so / for)

33. He loves football, ______ he plays every weekend.
(and / but / so / yet)

34. You must hurry, ______ you will be late.
(and / but / or / so)

35. She was very angry, ______ she didn't shout at anyone.
(but / so / or / yet)


SECTION C: COMPLEX SENTENCES (36–50)

36. ______ he was tired, he continued working on the project.
(Because / Although / Since / Unless)

37. She passed the exam ______ she studied regularly.
(because / although / while / unless)

38. The man ______ is standing there is my uncle.
(who / whom / which / whose)

39. ______ you work hard, you will not succeed.
(If / Unless / Because / Although)

40. I will wait here ______ you come back.
(until / because / although / if)

41. The book ______ I borrowed from the library is very interesting.
(who / which / whom / whose)

42. ______ it was raining, we went out for a walk.
(Because / Although / Since / Unless)

43. She went to bed early ______ she was feeling unwell.
(because / although / while / unless)

44. The boy ______ parents are doctors is my best friend.
(who / whom / which / whose)

45. ______ she apologizes, I will not forgive her.
(If / Unless / Because / Although)

46. He turned off the lights ______ he left the room.
(before / after / while / although)

47. The woman ______ you met yesterday is my teacher.
(who / whom / which / whose)

48. ______ he is very young, he is extremely wise.
(Because / Although / Since / If)

49. We will stay here ______ the rain stops.
(until / because / although / if)

50. She is the only person ______ understands me completely.
(who / whom / which / whose)


🔑 ANSWER KEY WITH SHORT REASONS

Q#

Answer

Short Reason

1

rises

Simple present for habitual action (sun rises daily).

2

sang

Past action (last night) → past tense.

3

goes

Habitual action (every day) → simple present, third person singular.

4

are

Plural subject (children) + present continuous (now).

5

finished

Past action (before dinner) → past tense.

6

arrives

Habitual action (every evening) → simple present.

7

bought

Past action (for the party) → past tense.

8

barked

Past action (at the stranger) → past tense.

9

visit

Habitual action (every Sunday) → simple present, plural subject.

10

shines

General fact → simple present, third person singular.

11

wants

Present state → simple present, third person singular.

12

flew

Past action (when they saw) → past tense.

13

prefers

Present preference → simple present, third person singular.

14

started

Past action (suddenly) → past tense.

15

lost

Past action (somewhere) → past tense.

16

but

Two independent clauses with contrast.

17

so

First clause causes the second (result).

18

or

Two options/alternatives.

19

so

Cause (didn't study) → result (failed).

20

but

Contrast (rich vs. not happy).

21

or

Two alternatives.

22

so

Cause (worked hard) → result (deserves promotion).

23

nor

Negative pair (didn't call nor did she send).

24

but

Contrast (expensive vs. not tasty).

25

but

Contrast (tired vs. continued working).

26

but

Contrast between two people's preferences.

27

so

Cause (missed bus) → result (ran).

28

so

Cause (practiced daily) → result (became skilled).

29

or

Two alternatives.

30

so

Cause (dark) → result (turned on light).

31

but

Contrast (smart vs. lacks common sense).

32

for

Gives a reason (she wasn't hungry).

33

so

Cause (loves football) → result (plays every weekend).

34

or

Warning/alternative (hurry or be late).

35

but

Contrast (angry vs. didn't shout).

36

Although

Subordinating conjunction showing contrast.

37

because

Subordinating conjunction showing reason.

38

who

Relative pronoun for a person (subject).

39

Unless

Subordinating conjunction meaning "if not".

40

until

Subordinating conjunction showing time.

41

which

Relative pronoun for a thing (book).

42

Although

Subordinating conjunction showing contrast.

43

because

Subordinating conjunction showing reason.

44

whose

Relative pronoun showing possession.

45

Unless

Subordinating conjunction meaning "if not".

46

before

Subordinating conjunction showing time sequence.

47

whom

Relative pronoun for a person (object of verb "met").

48

Although

Subordinating conjunction showing contrast (young vs. wise).

49

until

Subordinating conjunction showing time (wait till rain stops).

50

who

Relative pronoun for a person (subject of "understands").


📖 QUICK REVISION CHART

Sentence Type

Key Conjunctions / Features

Example

Simple

One independent clause

She sings well.

Compound

FANBOYS: and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor

She sings well, but she dances poorly.

Complex

Subordinators: because, although, when, if, since, while, who, which, that, whose, until, unless

Although she sings well, she dances poorly.

 

40 QUESTIONS: IDENTIFY THE SENTENCE TYPE

Each question has three options: Simple / Compound / Complex.


SECTION A: IDENTIFYING SIMPLE SENTENCES (1–10)

Choose the correct type for each sentence:

1.

The baby slept peacefully in her crib.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

2.

My father works at a bank in Kathmandu.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

3.

She sings and dances beautifully.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

4.

The old man walked slowly with a stick.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

5.

Ram and Shyam are best friends.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

6.

The sun sets in the west every evening.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

7.

He ate his dinner quickly and went to bed.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

8.

The flowers in the garden look very colorful.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

9.

The teacher explained the lesson clearly.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

10.

Running fast, he caught the bus.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)


SECTION B: IDENTIFYING COMPOUND SENTENCES (11–20)

Choose the correct type for each sentence:

11.

I wanted to buy a new phone, but I didn't have enough money.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

12.

She studied hard, so she topped the class.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

13.

He can come with us, or he can stay here alone.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

14.

The food was delicious, yet it was very expensive.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

15.

She didn't answer the phone, nor did she reply to my text.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

16.

I was very tired, so I went to bed early last night.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

17.

He is very intelligent, but he is lazy.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

18.

You must wear a helmet, or you will get a fine.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

19.

She loves painting, and she also enjoys sculpting.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

20.

He forgot his wallet, so he couldn't pay for the meal.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)


SECTION C: IDENTIFYING COMPLEX SENTENCES (21–30)

Choose the correct type for each sentence:

21.

Although it was raining, we went out for a walk.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

22.

She passed the exam because she worked very hard.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

23.

The man who is standing there is my uncle.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

24.

When the bell rang, the students left the classroom.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

25.

If you practice every day, you will become a good player.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

26.

He left the party after he said goodbye to everyone.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

27.

The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

28.

Since she was feeling unwell, she decided to stay home.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

29.

We will wait here until the bus arrives.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

30.

Although he is very young, he speaks three languages.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)


SECTION D: MIXED SENTENCES (31–40)

Choose the correct type for each sentence:

31.

The children played in the park all afternoon.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

32.

He finished his work, and he went home immediately.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

33.

She is the girl who won the first prize.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

34.

We can go to the cinema, or we can watch a movie at home.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

35.

Because he was late, he missed the first train.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

36.

The house with the blue door belongs to my grandfather.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

37.

He was very hungry, so he ate the whole pizza.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

38.

I will call you when I reach the station.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

39.

She opened the window and looked outside.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)

40.

Unless you apologize, I will not talk to you.
(Simple / Compound / Complex)


🔑 ANSWER KEY WITH SHORT REASONS

Q#

Answer

Short Reason

1

Simple

One subject (baby) + one verb (slept) → one independent clause.

2

Simple

One subject (father) + one verb (works) → one independent clause.

3

Simple

One subject (She) + two verbs (sings, dances) — compound verb, but still one clause.

4

Simple

One subject (man) + one verb (walked) → one independent clause.

5

Simple

Compound subject (Ram and Shyam) + one verb (are) — still one clause.

6

Simple

One subject (sun) + one verb (sets) → one independent clause.

7

Simple

One subject (He) + two verbs (ate, went) — compound verb, still one clause.

8

Simple

One subject (flowers) + one verb (look) → one independent clause.

9

Simple

One subject (teacher) + one verb (explained) → one independent clause.

10

Simple

One subject (he) + one verb (caught) — "Running fast" is a phrase, not a clause.

11

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "but" — each can stand alone.

12

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "so" — cause and result.

13

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "or" — two options.

14

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "yet" — contrast.

15

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "nor" — negative pair.

16

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "so" — cause and result.

17

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "but" — contrast.

18

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "or" — warning/alternative.

19

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "and" — addition.

20

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "so" — cause and result.

21

Complex

One independent clause (we went out) + one dependent clause (Although it was raining).

22

Complex

One independent clause (She passed) + one dependent clause (because she worked hard).

23

Complex

One independent clause (man is my uncle) + one dependent clause (who is standing there).

24

Complex

One independent clause (students left) + one dependent clause (When the bell rang).

25

Complex

One independent clause (you will become) + one dependent clause (If you practice).

26

Complex

One independent clause (He left) + one dependent clause (after he said goodbye).

27

Complex

One independent clause (book is fascinating) + one dependent clause (that I borrowed).

28

Complex

One independent clause (she stayed home) + one dependent clause (Since she was unwell).

29

Complex

One independent clause (We will wait) + one dependent clause (until the bus arrives).

30

Complex

One independent clause (he speaks three languages) + one dependent clause (Although he is young).

31

Simple

One subject (children) + one verb (played) → one independent clause.

32

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "and" — each can stand alone.

33

Complex

One independent clause (She is the girl) + one dependent clause (who won the first prize).

34

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "or" — two alternatives.

35

Complex

One independent clause (he missed the train) + one dependent clause (Because he was late).

36

Simple

One subject (house) + one verb (belongs) — "with the blue door" is a phrase, not a clause.

37

Compound

Two independent clauses joined by "so" — cause and result.

38

Complex

One independent clause (I will call you) + one dependent clause (when I reach the station).

39

Simple

One subject (She) + two verbs (opened, looked) — compound verb, still one clause.

40

Complex

One independent clause (I will not talk) + one dependent clause (Unless you apologize).


📊 QUICK RECAP TABLE

Type

Key Feature

Example

Simple

One subject + one verb (one independent clause)

She sings well.

Compound

Two or more independent clauses + FANBOYS

She sings well, but she dances poorly.

Complex

One independent + one or more dependent clauses + subordinator

Although she sings well, she dances poorly.


🧠 TIPS FOR QUICK IDENTIFICATION

1. Count the clauses

  • One clause = Simple
  • Two or more independent clauses = Compound
  • One independent + one dependent clause = Complex

2. Look for FANBOYS

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So → usually indicates a Compound sentence when they join two independent clauses.

3. Look for subordinators

Words such as:

because, although, when, if, since, while, until, unless, who, which, that, whose

→ can indicate a Complex sentence.

4. Remember this important rule

Compound subjects and compound verbs do not automatically make a sentence Compound.

For example:

  • Ram and Shyam play football. → Simple
  • She sings and dances. → Simple
  • She opened the window and looked outside. → Simple

The key is to count clauses, not simply count subjects or verbs.

⭐ Golden Rule

Simple = 1 independent clause
Compound = 2+ independent clauses
Complex = 1 independent clause + 1+ dependent clauses

 

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PTE Reading (Fill in the Blanks, Reading & Writing Fill in the Blanks, and Drag & Drop) requires a strong grip on Academic Collocations and Transition words.

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