Conversion Of Simple Sentences To Complex Sentences

In this blog, we shall look at the various methods applied for the conversion of a simple sentence into a complex sentences. The following examples have been taken from the english language textbook prescribed for ISC students studying in class 11. Use these as practice and climb your stepping stones to better grammar.

A simple sentence can be changed into a complex sentence by expanding a word or a phrase into a subordinate clause. This clause may be a noun clause, an adjective clause or an adverb clause.

A subordinate clause is a clause, typically introduced by a conjunction, that forms part of and is dependent on a main clause (e.g. ‘when it rang’ in ‘she answered the phone when it rang’).

Noun Clause 

A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun. Noun clauses begin with words such as how, that, what, whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, and why.Noun clauses can act as subjects, direct objects, indirect objects, predicate nominatives, or objects of a preposition.

Simple: The time of his arrival is not known.

Complex:When he will arrive is not known.

Simple: He confessed his fault.
Complex:He confessed that he was at fault.

Adjective Clause

An adjective clause is a dependent clause that, like an adjective, modifies a noun or pronoun. Adjective clauses begin with words such as that, when, where, who, whom, whose, which, and why. An essential (or restrictive) adjective clause provides information that is necessary for identifying the word it modifies.

Simple:A man of wisdom is respected by all.
Complex:A man who is wise is respected by all.

Adverb Clause

An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb; that is, the entire clause modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. As with all clauses, it contains a subject and predicate, although the subject as well as the (predicate) verb may sometimes be omitted and implied

Simple:Without your support, I am going to fail.
Complex:Unless you support me, I am going to fail.

Simple:On seeing the lion, she ran away.
Complex:As soon as she saw the lion, she ran away.

Assignment

Simple: The work was done in my presence.

Complex:The work was done when I was present there.

Simple:He worked according to instructions.

Complex:He worked according to the instructions given to him.

Simple:Come back at seven o' clock.

Complex: You shall come back here at seven o' clock.

Simple:On being punished, he cried.

Complex:On being punished, he started crying.

Simple:Do you consider him trustworthy?

Complex:Do you think he is worthy of our trust?

Simple:He has promised to help you.

Complex:He has made a promise to help you.

Simple:He worked hard to pass the examination.

Complex:He had to work hard to pass the examination.

Simple:Their explanation cannot be true.

Complex: What they are explaining cannot be true

Conversion of Simple Sentences to Compound Sentences 
Conversion of Compound Sentences to Simple Sentences 
Conversion Of Complex Sentences to Simple Sentences 
Conversion of Compound Sentences to Complex Sentences
Conversion of Complex Sentences to Compound Sentences
Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences