When we change the form of a sentence without changing the meaning, we call it Sentence Transformation.
Simple Sentence to Compound
We can transform a Simple Sentence into a compound sentence by enlarging a word or a phrase to a Co-ordinate Clause.
- Simple: She must eat extra to make up for the lost weight.
- Compound: She must eat extra and make up for the lost weight.
- Simple: Besides robbing the house, he also murdered the whole family.
- Compound: He not only robbed the house but also murdered the whole family.
- Simple: She must run fast to win the first prize.
- Compound: She must run very fast, or she will not win the first prize.
Compound Sentence to Simple Sentence
Here is how you can convert compound sentences to simple sentences:
- Compound: He finished his dinner and put away his plate.
- Simple: Having finished his dinner, he put away his plate.
- Compound: Not only did his sister give him money, but his father did too.
- Simple: Besides his sister giving money, his father also did the same.
- Compound: He must complete the assignment, or he will be punished.
- Simple: In the event of him not completing the assignment, he will be punished.
Simple Sentence to Complex Sentence
A Simple Sentence can be converted into a Complex Sentence by expanding a word or a phrase into a Subordinate Clause. The clause can be a noun, adjective, or adverb clause.
- Simple: The thief confessed his crime.
- Complex: The thief confessed that he was guilty.
- Simple: She bought his father’s garage.
- Complex: She bought the garage that belonged to her father.
- Simple: Only Africans are allowed.
- Complex: If you are not an African, you will not be allowed.
Complex Sentence to Simple Sentence
Look at the following examples:
- Complex: She said that she was guilty.
- Simple: She declared her guilt.
- Complex: Tell me where you stay.
- Simple: Tell me your address.
- Complex: She remarked how rude the boy was.
- Simple: She remarked on the boy’s rudeness.
Compound Sentence to Complex
Look at the following examples:
- Compound: Search his cupboard and you will find the proof.
- Complex: If you search his cupboard, you will find the proof.
- Compound: Do as she tells you, or you will be wrong.
- Complex: Unless you do as she tells you, you will be wrong.
- Compound: She saw the pitfall, but she continued.
- Complex: Although she saw the pitfall, she continued.
Complex Sentence to Compound
Look at the examples:
- Complex: I am sure you have done something wrong.
- Compound: You have done something wrong, and of this I am sure.
- Complex: I am happy that she recovered from depression.
- Compound: She has recovered from depression, and I am happy about it.
- Complex: If he is in the class, I shall see him.
- Compound: He may be in the class, and in that case, I shall see him.
