Complex to Compound

Complex Sentence:

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. The dependent clause provides additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Example:

• Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

Compound Sentence:

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as "and," "but," "or," "so," "yet," etc.) or a semicolon (;). Each clause is independent and can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Example:

• I was tired, but I continued working.

Definitions from Other Sources:

Oxford Dictionary:

• A complex sentence is "a sentence containing a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses."
• A compound sentence is "a sentence containing two or more independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon."

Cambridge Dictionary:

• A complex sentence "has an independent main clause and one or more dependent clauses connected with a subordinating conjunction."
• A compound sentence "consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction such as ‘and,’ ‘but,’ or ‘so’."

Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

• A complex sentence is "a sentence composed of at least one main clause and one subordinate clause."
• A compound sentence is "a sentence composed of two or more main clauses, usually joined by a coordinating conjunction."

To transform a complex sentence into a compound sentence, follow these steps:

• 1. Identify the dependent clause in the complex sentence.
• 2. Convert the dependent clause into an independent clause.
• 3. Use coordinating conjunctions (such as and, but, or, so, yet, for, nor) to join the two independent clauses.

Examples:

• Complex sentence:
  • Since it was raining, we stayed indoors.
• Converted into a compound sentence:
  • It was raining, so we stayed indoors.
• Complex sentence:
  • Although he was tired, he continued working.
• Converted into a compound sentence:
  • was tired, but he continued working.

By making the dependent clause independent and linking it with a coordinating conjunction, we successfully transform the sentence from complex to compound.

When converting a complex sentence to a compound sentence, you replace a subordinating conjunction (which introduces a dependent clause) with a coordinating conjunction (which joins two independent clauses). Here are some common subordinating conjunctions and their compound equivalents:

Subordinating Conjunction (Complex Sentence)	Coordinating Conjunction (Compound Sentence)
Because	For/So
Although/Though	But/Yet
If	Or
Since	And/For
When	And
While	But/And
Unless	Or

Examples of Conversion:

• Complex: Because he was tired, he went to bed early.
• Compound: He was tired, so he went to bed early.
• Complex: Although it was raining, they went outside.
• Compound: It was raining, but they went outside.
• Complex: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• Compound: Study hard, or you will fail the exam.
• Complex: Since she loves reading, she visits the library often.
• Compound: She loves reading, and she visits the library often.

By following this pattern, you can easily transform complex sentences into compound sentences while maintaining the meaning.

Here are some practice examples for converting complex sentences into compound sentences:

Examples

• Complex: If you work hard, you will succeed.
• Compound: Work hard, and you will succeed.
• Complex: Because he was tired, he went to bed early.
• Compound: He was tired, so he went to bed early.
• Complex: Although it was raining, they continued playing.
• Compound: It was raining, but they continued playing.
• Complex: Since she loves music, she listens to songs every day.
• Compound: She loves music, so she listens to songs every day.
• Complex: I stayed at home because I was sick.
• Compound: I was sick, so I stayed at home.

Below are some practice exercises to help you master this transformation:

Exercise 1: Transform the following complex sentences into compound sentences.

• 1. Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
• 2. Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.
• 3. If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• 4. Since he was late, he missed the bus.
• 5. Unless you hurry, you will miss the train.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following complex sentences as compound sentences.

• 1. While I was reading, the phone rang.
• 2. After she finished her meal, she went for a walk.
• 3. Because he was hungry, he ate a sandwich.
• 4. Although he is rich, he lives a simple life.
• 5. If you don’t apologize, she will be upset.

Exercise 3: Convert the following complex sentences into compound sentences.

• 1. When the bell rang, the students left the classroom.
• 2. Since she loves animals, she adopted a puppy.
• 3. Although he tried his best, he couldn’t win the race.
• 4. Unless you practice, you won’t improve.
• 5. Because the movie was boring, we left early.

Exercise 4: Rewrite the sentences by changing them from complex to compound.

• 1. Even though he was sick, he attended the meeting.
• 2. As soon as the teacher entered, the students became quiet.
• 3. If you don’t water the plants, they will die.
• 4. Since the car broke down, we had to walk home.
• 5. Although it was cold, they went swimming.