Sentences can be broadly divided into three classes – simple sentence, complex sentence, compound sentence.

Simple sentence

A simple sentence has just one clause. That means it has just one finite verb.

Examples are given below.

• She works in a bank.
• Somebody knocked on the door.
• He doesn’t work hard.

Complex sentence

A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. The subordinate clause can be an adjective clause, noun clause or adverb clause.

Examples are given below.

• Rani, who is a doctor, is also an accomplished singer.
• If you need help, please ask him.
• The cop asked what I was doing there.

Compound sentence

A compound sentence has two or more coordinate clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction. Examples are given below.

• She turned off the lights and went to bed.
• I invited her but she didn’t come.

It is possible to transform a simple sentence to a complex sentence or compound sentence. Likewise, it is possible to transform a complex or compound sentence to a simple sentence.

This class 10 grammar exercise tests your ability to transform sentences.

Transformation of Sentences Exercise

Rewrite the following sentences as directed.

1. Navami looked at her little brother and smiled. (Rewrite as a complex sentence)

2. I went to the store to buy some clothes. (Rewrite as a compound sentence)

3. The water was so cold that we could swim in the lake. (Rewrite as a simple sentence)

4. The girl started crying when she couldn’t find her mother. (Rewrite as a compound sentence)

5. He lives in an old and dilapidated house. (Rewrite as a complex sentence)

6. The children rushed out when the bell rang. (Rewrite as a compound sentence)

7. I watched a documentary which was based on the life of Gautama Buddha. (Rewrite as a simple sentence)

8. The sparrow pecked at the mango which was ripe. (Rewrite as a simple sentence)

9. As the party was well-planned, the guests were happy. (Rewrite as a simple sentence)

10. After they had dinner, they went for a walk. (Rewrite as a simple sentence)

11. I didn’t know what to do so I called the police. (Rewrite as a simple sentence)

12. I rang up the principal to enquire about my son’s progress at school. (Rewrite as a complex sentence)

Answers

1. As she looked at her little brother Navami smiled.

2. I went to the store and bought some clothes.

3. The water was too cold for us to swim in the lake.

4. The girl could not find her mother and started crying.

5. He lives in a house which was old and dilapidated.

6. The bell rang and the children rushed out.

7. I watched a documentary based on the life of Gautama Buddha.

8. The sparrow pecked at the ripe mango.

9. The party being well-planned, the guests were happy.

10. Having had dinner, they went for a walk.

11. Not knowing what to do, I called the police.

12. I rang up the principal because I wanted to enquire about my son’s progress at school.