Simple, Complex & Compound Sentences – Class
Notes (SSC 2025 Edition)
In English grammar, sentences are divided into three main types based on structure:
Simple, Complex, and Compound. Understanding them helps students write correctly and
vary sentence forms in exams.
This note will explain definitions, structures, examples, and ways to change one form into
another. Practice these well for SSC 2025 English Grammar questions.
1. Simple Sentences
A Simple Sentence has only one finite verb and one independent clause.
It expresses a single idea or thought clearly.
Structure: Subject + Verb + Object/Complement/Modifier.
Examples:
- He reads a book.
- The boy played football.
- To win the prize is my dream.
Ways to Make Simple Sentences:
• Use infinitives (to + verb): He went to study.
• Use participles (-ing or -ed): Seeing the teacher, the students stood up.
• Use prepositional phrases: In spite of his illness, he went to school.
2. Complex Sentences
A Complex Sentence has one main (independent) clause and one or more subordinate
(dependent) clauses.
These clauses are joined by subordinating conjunctions like because, when, if, although,
since, etc.
Structure: Main Clause + Subordinate Clause.
Examples:
- I know that he is honest.
- He left the class because he was sick.
- Though he is poor, he is happy.
Subordinating Conjunctions:
because, though, although, when, after, before, if, since, unless, while, as, that, where,
until.
3. Compound Sentences
A Compound Sentence has two or more independent clauses joined by coordinating
conjunctions.
Each clause has equal importance and can stand alone.
Coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, so, for, yet, nor.
Examples:
- He was ill, but he went to school.
- Study hard and you will succeed.
- Walk fast or you will miss the train.
4. Changing Sentence Types
1. Simple → Complex: Use subordinating conjunctions.
Example: He worked hard to pass the exam. → He worked hard so that he might pass the
exam.
2. Complex → Compound: Replace subordinating conjunction with coordinating
conjunction.
Example: He was poor though he was honest. → He was poor but he was honest.
3. Compound → Simple: Use infinitives or participles.
Example: He studied hard and passed the exam. → Studying hard, he passed the exam.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using more than one finite verb in a simple sentence.
• Forgetting to use proper conjunctions when joining clauses.
• Repeating subjects unnecessarily in compound sentences.
• Mixing up subordinating and coordinating conjunctions.
6. Practice Exercises
1. He was tired, so he went to bed. → Change into Simple and Complex.
2. Seeing a snake, he ran away. → Change into Complex and Compound.
3. Though he is old, he works hard. → Change into Simple and Compound.
4. He is too weak to walk. → Change into Complex and Compound.
5. He finished his homework and went out. → Change into Simple and Complex.
6. The boy who is playing is my brother. → Change into Simple and Compound.
7. If you study hard, you will succeed. → Change into Simple and Compound.
8. It rained heavily, so we stayed home. → Change into Simple and Complex.
9. He confessed that he was guilty. → Change into Simple and Compound.
10. When the sun rose, the fog disappeared. → Change into Simple and Compound.
7. Suggested Answers
1. (Simple) Being tired, he went to bed. (Complex) As he was tired, he went to bed.
2. (Complex) When he saw a snake, he ran away. (Compound) He saw a snake and ran
away.
3. (Simple) In spite of being old, he works hard. (Compound) He is old but works hard.
4. (Complex) He is so weak that he cannot walk. (Compound) He is weak and cannot
walk.
5. (Simple) After finishing his homework, he went out. (Complex) He went out after he
finished his homework.
6. (Simple) The boy in a blue shirt is my brother. (Compound) The boy is wearing a blue
shirt and he is my brother.
7. (Simple) To succeed, you must study hard. (Compound) Study hard and you will
succeed.
8. (Simple) Because of heavy rain, we stayed home. (Complex) As it rained heavily, we
stayed home.
9. (Simple) He confessed his guilt. (Compound) He was guilty and he confessed it.
10. (Simple) At sunrise, the fog disappeared. (Compound) The sun rose and the fog
disappeared.
8. SSC Exam Tips
• Always identify the number of clauses before changing the sentence.
• Memorize key conjunctions and their uses.
• During exams, write transformations neatly in two columns: Before → After.
• Revise board questions from the last 5 years.
• Practice at least 10 transformations daily.
