English Language Panel SMKTS

Form 4

Power Writing

SIMPLE, COMPOUND AND COMPLEX SENTENCES

MATRIX & QUANTUM GROUP SPM 2023

 A sentence is a set of words that makes complete sense, and consists of a subject,
a predicate, and a verb.

A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause.

A compound sentence consists of two independent clauses.

A complex sentence consists of an independent clause joined by one or more

dependent clauses.

Simple Sentence
My house is white.
This is a simple sentence. It consists of a single independent clause. It has a subject and a
verb, and expresses a single complete thought.
Remember, it does not contain a dependent clause or another simple sentence.
Compound Sentence
My house is white and it has green shutters.
This is a compound sentence. It is made from two independent clauses, which are short
sentences, that are combined with a conjunction (and). In a compound sentence, each clause,
or each part, before and after the conjunction, would make sense on its own.
Complex Sentence
Although we have lived there for ten years, we are moving in May.
This sentence also has two parts:
Although we have lived there for ten years
We are moving in May
It can be clearly seen that sentence #1 does not make sense on its own because it uses a
subordinating conjunction (although), and we know that there has to be something after that
clause.
#2 could be a sentence on its own. It is an independent clause.
A sentence that combines two clauses and uses a subordinating conjunction, it is called a
complex sentence.

Some Subordinating Conjunctions:

MATRIX & QUANTUM GROUP SPM 2023

 After Although As In order that

At least Now that Wherever While

Before Even though How If

Whenever As though Because Even if

Though Until Unless As if

As long as Since So that That

Simple Sentence Compound Sentence Complex Sentence

It has a subject and a Contains two independent An independent clause
verb. clauses (two simple joined by one or more
It is a single independent sentences). dependent clauses.
clause. Joins the two clauses with A subordinating
It expresses a single a conjunction (for, and, conjunction is at the
complete thought. nor, but, or, yet, so). beginning of the
Example: Grandma goes to The conjunction can dependent clause.
church alone. change the meaning of the If the dependent clause is
sentence. at the beginning of the
Example: Trina slept late, sentence, it must be
yet she made it to school followed by a comma.
on time. A dependent clause has a
subject and a verb, but
doesn't make sense on its
own.
Example: Carly played
outside in the yard until it
was too dark to see

Remember, practicing
varied types of sentences
are important to create
good piece of writing!

References & Notes :

https://www.turtlediary.com/video/simple-
compound-and-complex-sentences.html

MATRIX & QUANTUM GROUP SPM 2023

Exercise 1 – Identify the Type of Sentence
Identify whether the following sentences are simple, compound or complex sentences. Also,
mention which of the clauses is the main clause and the subordinate clause.

1. I did not know that this food was meant only for the staff.

2. She is innocent, so she has appealed to the court.

3. If you are not ready with the song, it is better to let them know.

4. She will come home or I will stay back at her place.

5. In the evening, I am going to the park.

6. The sun looks amazing today.

7. I remember the day that we met very well.

8. Nithi is not keeping well, yet she decided to go to work.

9. After they reach the hotel, they will inform us.

10. We are going to the park.

Exercise 2 – Combine the Sentences to Form Compound

Sentences
Combine the following sentences using a coordinating conjunction or a conjunctive adverb to
form compound sentences.

1. My mother is sick. My mother is going to the doctor.

2. Jibin has gone to Hyderabad. Jibin has not found any jobs yet.

3. Nalini was not satisfied with her birthday dress. Nalini wore it anyway.

4. Jaffar called me yesterday. I was not able to attend his call.

5. Tina had to present the paper today. Nancy volunteered to do it.

6. It was raining the whole day. We decided to go to the park.

7. Firoz will pick you up. We will book a cab for you.

8. Nobody knew where to go. We asked some random people for directions to the hills.

9. Let them know. You will have to suffer the consequences.

10. My mom was cleaning the house. I helped with the plates.

MATRIX & QUANTUM GROUP SPM 2023

Exercise 3 – Combine the Sentences to Form Complex
Sentences
Combine the following sentences by making use of a subordinating conjunction or a correlative
conjunction to form complex sentences.

1. You speak up. Nobody is going to know.

2. You are the only friend. You taught me right from wrong.

3. I was not happy. I went to the reception for the sake of my friend.

4. You do not finish it. You will have to face the consequences.

5. I do not know the person. He owns a brand new Mercedes Benz.

6. My brother does not watch animation movies. My brother liked Kungfu Panda.

7. I don’t think I will be able to make it. I missed the bus.

8. You should do it. I will have to ask Praveen to do it.

9. There are no trains available. We took a flight.

10. Seetha finishes her work. Seetha will be on her way.

Exercise 4– Combine the Sentences to Form Complex

Sentences
1. Susan teaches the kids who live in the neighborhood. They meet in the evenings after she
comes home from work.
2. The doctor wants to prescribe physical therapy, and he asked me to see a specialist. He
recommended Dr. Smith.
3. Anthony told us about the assembly of the products. Unfortunately, he didn't tell us about
where they were made.
4. We managed to finish the exercise on time and passed the exam. However, it was very
difficult.
5. The man spoke little English. Mary understood him, but couldn't help.
6. We didn't have much time, so we didn't read the final chapter. However, we still enjoyed the
book.
7. We will miss our father greatly. He taught us many lessons. Those lessons have helped us
succeed in life.
8. The eagles attract many tourists. They live in the local mountain range. Unfortunately, the
politicians still refuse to protect them.
9. We finished our work early, so we decided to go out for a drink. We went to Allan's Pub.
10. The students who attended the university went on strike. They protested the tuition hikes.

MATRIX & QUANTUM GROUP SPM 2023

 11. Sandy wanted to ask her uncle questions about his experiences. Her uncle fought in WW II.
12. The boys refused to ask the teacher any questions. They failed the exam.
13. I don't like the food. The staff prepares the food. I also do not like their unfriendly attitude.
14. Sheila loves red. The Mustang is red, but she might wait a few months.
15. He can join us if he asks the man who invited us to the party. He can also stay home.

TRANSITIONAL WORDS & PHRASES

Transitional words and phrases are also known as cohesive devises. They strengthen writing by improving
f low and clarifying the relationships between ideas, sentences, and paragraphs.

TO INDICATE AGREEMENT, ADDITION, OR SIMILARITY

additionally, comparatively in like manner of course,
again correspondingly in the first place similarly,
along with coupled with in the light of then
also equally in the same way to
and equally important like to say nothing of
as First, second, third likewise, together with
as a matter of fact, furthermore moreover too
as well as identically not only . . . but also uniquely
by the same token in addition, not to mention what is more
TO INDICATE AN EXAMPLE, SHOW SUPPORT, OR EMPHASIZE
another key point important to realize namely to clarify
as an illustration in fact, notably to demonstrate
by all means in general, on the negative s ide to emphasize
certainly in other words, on the positive s ide to enumerate
expressively in particular point often overlooked to explain
first and foremost, in this case significantly to point out
first thing to remember including specifically, to put it another way
for example, indeed such as to put it differently
for instance, l i ke surely to repeat
for one thing markedly surprisingly truly
for this reason, compelling evidence that is to say with attention to
frequently i t must be remembered to be sure with this in mind
TO INDICATE AN EFFECT, RESULT, OR CONSEQUENCE
accordingly consequently henceforth thereupon
as a result for this reason in that case thus
because forthwith therefore hence
TO INDICATE CONTRADICTION, OPPOSITION, OR LIMITATION
( and) still be that as i t may in contrast on the other hand
( and) yet besides in reality or

MATRIX & QUANTUM GROUP SPM 2023

above all but in spite of otherwise
after all conversely instead rather
albeit despite nevertheless regardless
although different from nonetheless then again
although this may be even so notwithstanding unlike
as much as even though of course…, but whereas
at the same time however on the contrary while

TRANSITIONAL WORDS & PHRASES

TO INDICATE CAUSE, CONDITION, OR PURPOSE
as / so long as in order to only / even i f to the end that
because of in the event that owing to unless
due to in the hope that provided that when
for fear that in view of seeing / being that whenever
for the purpose of inasmuch as s ince while
given that lest so as to with this in mind
granted ( that) . . . then on ( the) condition ( that) so that with this intention
TO INDICATE CONCLUSION, SUMMARY, OR RESTATEMENT
after all for the most part in either case on balance
all in all generally speaking in essence on the whole
all things considered given these points in fact ordinarily
altogether in a word in short overall
as can be seen in any event in summary to sum up
as has been noted in brief in the f inal analysis to summarize
as shown above in conclusion in the long run usually
TO INDICATE TIME, CHRONOLOGY, OR SEQUENCE
after formerly last sooner or later
all of a sudden forthwith later straightaway
as long as from time to time meanwhile suddenly
as soon as further next then
at the present time hence now ti l l
at the same time henceforth now that to begin with
at this instant immediately occasionally until
before in a moment once until now
by the time in due time presently up to the present time
during in the first place prior to when
eventually in the meantime quickly whenever
finally in time shortly whenever
f rst, second instantly since without delay

TO INDICATE SPACE, LOCATION, OR PLACE

MATRIX & QUANTUM GROUP SPM 2023

above below here and there next
across beneath in front of on this s ide
adjacent to beside in the background opposite to
alongside between in the center of over
amid beyond in the distance there
among down in the foreground to the left/ right
around from in the middle under
before
behind
Let’s Practice Our Cohesive Devices
further
here
near
nearby
where
wherever

1. One of the most wonderful inventions of modern times is television. It is now possible to sit in the
comfort of one’s home –––––– watch on a screen events –––––––– are happening hundreds of miles
away. We can –––––– get entertainment from films, dances, plays and sports –––––– are shown on
the screen. It is difficult to imagine ––––– life would be like without television.
[What, and, also, that, which]
2. The methods of reading usually differ in accordance with the contents of books, –––––all books
should be read with equal seriousness. Amusement is not the main objective of reading –––––– a good
book, ––––– it is a novel or a biography or a drama, always deals with some aspect of knowledge
–––– helps us to know life better. It is ––––– said –––– books are the best teachers.
[Therefore, because, but, whether, and, that]
3. –––– the Congress and the PDP inch towards formation of a new government in Jammu and
Kashmir, one lone Kashmiri sits in Tihar jail, accused for crimes ––– he could be hanged for, ––––
proved guitly. The case of Abdul Gilani, –––– was a lecturer in a Delhi College, is an example of
–––– shocking such incidents could be for ordinary citizens.
[How, While, If, Who, That]
4. Many tribal women are unable to feed their children –––– they have no land to till. –––hundreds of
women are facing similar situations. –––––– the land records do not have the names of wives, the
husbands sell the land –––– use a large part of the money to buy liquior. ––––– they are not judicious
in spending money.
[And, In fact, As, Since, Moreover]
5. I am called the Safety Equipment Officer. It may sound like an impressive title,––––– it’s not a
very accurate description of what I do. My main job is to provide protective clothing, –––– overalls,
helmets and so on. I estimate what the different departments will need and –––– I order it from the
suppliers. –––– I make sure that the various departments have everything they want. ––––– stationary
is also my responsibility.
[However, But, Such as, Then, In this way]
6. The climate of Gopalpur-on-Sea is pleasant in summer. –––– tourists in large number throng this
small town in summer for holidaying. ––––– suitable accommodation is a problem here, ––––– the
town is small –––– most of the people are economically backward. –––– that does not discourage
tourists.
[Since, However, But, Therefore, And]

MATRIX & QUANTUM GROUP SPM 2023

7. When we are young, we are naturally creative ––– we let our minds run free. ––––– as we are
taught to follow rules, our thinking narrows. –––––– in many areas of our lives, creativity can be a
matter of survival. –––––, with more and more women opting for careers and independence, couples
have to be more creative about their relationships to avoid conflicts. Creativity is not all that
mysterious. An important creative trait was well defined by a scientist ––––he said, “Discovery
consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.”
[For instance, and, when, however, but]
8. ––––– the year 2010, one third of the world’s cropland will have turned to dust. One million species
will have become extinct and hundreds of millions of people will face starvation. All this is happening
–––– our civilization has kept on expanding on the assumption that the world’s resources are limitless.
––––– merely stopping growth is not the answer. ––––– we need is development ––––– works in
partnership with the environment.
[That, by, however, what, because]
9. Many people will come to the meeting –––– the speaker is well-known. ––––– we need a bigger
hall ––––– at least two hundred persons can be seated. We wanted to book the Lenin Bhavan, –––– it
is already booked for that day. –––– we are trying to reserve the town hall –––– it does not have an
air-conditioner.
[Though, therefore, but, because, however, so that]
10. When I reached the bus stand, I discovered I had missed my usual bus –––– I reached the office
on time ––– a friend was kind enough to give me a lift on his scooter. –––– I reached office, I heard a
noise ––––– came from inside my boss’s room. I went inside the room –––– found that a burglar had
broken open the almirah ––––– many important documents were kept.
[Because, when, and, where, but, which]
11. We ––––– live in the present-day world are proud to call ourselves civilised –––– we live and
dress better than our forefathers. Of course we have the advantages of the inventions of science
––––––– our ancestors had never known. ––––– science has also added to our worries. Perhaps now
we can kill more easily ––––– swiftly than ever before.
[But, because, who, which, and]
12. My memory of the first day in college reminds me of the excitement and fear –––– I experienced
at that time. I was excited ––––– I heard always about the fun that the students have in college –––––.
I was scared and nervous ––––– I had no friends. ––––––, the over-all feeling was one of pleasant
expectation.
[And, because, that, however, become]
13. I did not find the book on my table –––––– someone took it. ––––– I went to the teacher to
complain, he told me –––––– hence forward, I should be careful. ––––– I keep the book inside the
bag, it is always possible to be stolen, –––––– some boys are always tempted to steal books.
[Because, when, unless, since, that]
14. Smoking is harmful to health. This warning is printed on every pack. –––––––people smoke
tobacco and endangers their lives. –––––, smokers also cause discomfort to those who involuntarily
inhale smoke –––––– being non-smokers.––––––– smoking has become a concern of public health.
––––– the ban on smoking in public is justified.
[Thus, Yet, Therefore, Despite, Moreover, Until]

MATRIX & QUANTUM GROUP SPM 2023

15. Sikta’s sister is an air- hostess for a famous international airlines ––––– Sikta wants to become
one too. –––––– she is still too young. The minimum age for an air- hostess is twenty, –––––– Sikta is
just over sixteen. –––––– she has taken up a job in an office –––– she –––––– attends evening classes
–––––– she wants to improve her French and Japaneese, ––––––– foreign languages are an essential
qualification for an air- hostess.
[Since, also, because, and, but, however, meanwhile, and]
16. Smoking, –––––– may be pleasure for some people, is a source of discomfort for their fellows.
––––, medical authorities express their concern about the effect of smoking on the health of ––––
those who smoke, –––– those who must involuntarily inhale the contribution of smokers to the
atmosphere. ––––– smoking should be banned in public places.
[But also, Further, Therefore, Not only, Which]
17. When John Logie Baird turned into an adult, he became a businessman. –––– his business failed,
–––– he thought of working at television. His family advised him not to be too adventurous. He, ––––,
did not listen to them. ––––– he rented a room and bought the apparatus he needed. He started
working. One day he saw a picture on his screen. He rushed out and found an office boy whom he
took to his room to television. His picture appeared on the screen. ––––– television had been invented.
[However, thus, instead, but, so]
18. The thief disguished himself ––––– nobody should recognise him. –––– he was identified soon
enough. –––––– he held a gun in his hand, some people tried to catch him, ––––most other people
were looking on with fear. The thief was –––– nabbed by the people ––– he was so scared that he
forgot to use the gun.
[However, because, but, so that, although, though]
19. ––––– you work hard, you will not succeed in any competitive examination. –––– thousands of
young people appear in these examinations, ––––– a few succeed—–these examinations aim at
finding out –––– you are intelligent enough to solve the difficult problems ––––– you face in real life.
[Which, if, unless, although, because, only]
20. As soon as the examination was over, my friends –––– I decided to go on holidaying –– we could
not decide the exact place –––– we would spend our holidays. –––– some of us wanted to go to Puri,
others proposed Rourkela. It was of course felt –––– the trip should not be very expensive.
[And, where, that, but, while]

MATRIX & QUANTUM GROUP SPM 2023