Simple Sentence, Complex Sentence, Compound Sentence

State whether the sentences given below are simple, complex or compound.

1. There was no indication this morning that it would rain.

2. Those office machines have been inactive since the computer was installed.

3. It is not wise to approach him while he is angry.

4. If you feel inadequate for the job, go out and get some experience.

5. Your idea is exciting but not applicable to our present needs.

6. The interim government was appointed until new elections could be held.

7. One often depends on the kindness of strangers.

8. Her kindness was shown in the many things she did for people.

9. Although he tried to act tough, he was basically a kind man.

10. Make sure that the latch on the door is secure.

11. He lacked the connections necessary to get his business started.

12. It is a known fact that he was once a millionaire.

Answers

1. There was no indication this morning that it would rain. (Complex sentence)

Main clause: there was no indication this morning

Subordinate clause: that it would rain

2. Those office machines have been inactive since the computer was installed. (Complex sentence)

Main clause: those office machines have been inactive

Subordinate clause: since the computer was installed

3. It is not wise to approach him while he is angry. (Complex sentence)

Main clause: it is not wise to approach him

Subordinate clause: while he is angry

4. If you feel inadequate for the job, go out and get some experience. (Complex sentence)

Main clause: got out and get some experience

Subordinate clause: if you feel inadequate for the job

5. Your idea is exciting but not applicable to our present needs. (Compound sentence)

Coordinate clause 1: your idea is exciting

Coordinate clause 2: but it is not applicable to our present needs

6. The interim government was appointed until new elections could be held. (Complex sentence)

Main clause: the interim government was appointed

Subordinate clause: until new elections could be held

7. One often depends on the kindness of strangers. (Simple sentence)

8. Her kindness was shown in the many things she did for people. (Complex sentence)

Main clause: her kindness was shown in the many things

Subordinate clause: (that) she did for people

9. Although he tried to act tough, he was basically a kind man. (Complex sentence)

Main clause: he was basically a kind man

Subordinate clause: although he tried to act tough

10. Make sure that the latch on the door is secure. (Complex sentence)

Main clause: make sure

Subordinate clause: that the latch on door is secure

11. He lacked the connections necessary to get his business started.

(Simple sentence – only one finite verb – lacked – and hence only one clause)

12. It is a known fact that he was once a millionaire. (Complex sentence)

Main clause: It is a known fact

Subordinate clause: that he was once a millionaire