Complex to Simple

Simple Sentence

A simple sentence is a sentence that contains only one independent clause. It expresses a complete thought and has a subject and a predicate.

Example:

• She reads books.
• The sun is shining.
• I love ice cream.

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:

• She reads books because she loves stories.
• Although it was raining, we went outside.
• I will call you when I arrive home.

Definitions from Other Sources

Oxford Dictionary:

• Simple Sentence: A sentence consisting of only one clause, with a single subject and predicate.
• Complex Sentence: A sentence containing a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.

Cambridge Dictionary:

• Simple Sentence: A sentence that has only one clause.
• Complex Sentence: A sentence that contains a main clause and one or more dependent clauses.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

• Simple Sentence: A sentence having only one clause and a single subject and predicate.
• Complex Sentence: A sentence composed of at least one main clause and one subordinate clause.

Simplifying complex sentences means changing long or difficult sentences into shorter, easier ones. This makes writing easier to read and understand. It helps everyone, especially learners, follow the meaning more clearly.

1. Identify the Main Clause

A complex sentence typically contains one independent clause (main clause) and one or more dependent clauses (subordinate clauses).
Focus on the main clause, as it conveys the primary idea.

Example:

• Complex: Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
• Simple: We decided to go for a walk despite the rain.

2. Remove Unnecessary Details

Eliminate extra information that isn’t essential to the main idea.

Example:

• Complex: The book, which was written by a famous author, became a bestseller.
• Simple: The book became a bestseller.

3. Break Long Sentences into Shorter Ones

Split a complex sentence into two or more simple sentences.

Example:

• Complex: She went to the store because she needed groceries, but she forgot her wallet.
• Simple: She went to the store to buy groceries. However, she forgot her wallet.

4. Replace Subordinate Clauses with Phrases

Convert dependent clauses into shorter phrases.

Example:

• Complex: The man who is wearing a blue shirt is my brother.
• Simple: The man in the blue shirt is my brother.

5. Use Active Voice

Active voice is often simpler and more direct than passive voice.

Example:

• Complex: The cake was eaten by the children.
• Simple: The children ate the cake.

6. Avoid Overusing Conjunctions

Replace conjunctions like although, because, and since with simpler connectors or separate sentences.

Example:

• Complex: Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
• Simple: She was tired, so she went to bed early.

7. Simplify Vocabulary

Replace difficult or formal words with simpler alternatives.

Example:

• Complex: The individual commenced his journey at dawn.
• Simple: The person started his trip at sunrise.

8. Remove Redundancies

Eliminate repetitive words or phrases.

Example:

• Complex: The reason why he was late was because of the traffic.
• Simple: He was late due to traffic.

Examples of Simplification:

• Complex: Although he studied hard, he failed the exam because he was nervous.
• Simple: He studied hard but failed the exam due to nervousness.
• Complex: The house, which was built in 1900, is located on a hill and offers a stunning view of the valley.
• Simple: The house was built in 1900. It is on a hill and has a stunning view of the valley.
• Complex: If you don’t hurry, you will miss the bus, and you’ll have to wait for the next one.
• Simple: Hurry up, or you’ll miss the bus and wait for the next one.

Reducing relative clauses in simplifies sentences by removing the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb, making the sentence more concise. Here’s how to do it:

• 1. Identify the relative clause: Look for clauses starting with relative pronouns like 'who, which, that, whose' or 'whom'.
• 2. Check if the clause can be reduced: The clause must contain a subject and a verb, and the relative pronoun should act as the subject.
• 3. Remove the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb: If the clause uses a continuous tense ('is, are, was, were' + '-ing'), a passive voice ('is/are/was/were' + past participle), or a simple tense ('do/does/did'), you can often omit the pronoun and auxiliary verb.
• 4. Convert the verb to a participle or adjective: Use the present participle ('-ing' form) for active meanings or the past participle for passive meanings.

Examples:

• Original: The man who is standing there is my brother.
• Reduced: The man standing there is my brother.
• Original: The book that was written by her is a bestseller.
• Reduced: The book written by her is a bestseller.
• Original: The students who are studying hard will pass the exam.
• Reduced: The students studying hard will pass the exam.
• Original: The car that is parked outside belongs to John.
• Reduced: The car parked outside belongs to John.

Notes:

• If the relative clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, ensure the reduced form still conveys the same meaning.
• Avoid reducing clauses if it makes the sentence unclear or ambiguous.

Reducing adverbial clauses simplifies complex sentences by converting dependent clauses (adverbial clauses) into simpler phrases. This makes sentences more concise while retaining the original meaning. Here’s how to reduce adverbial clauses:

1. Identify the Adverbial Clause

Adverbial clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions like because, although, when, while, if, after, before, since, etc.

Example:

• Because she was tired, she went to bed early.

2. Remove the Subordinating Conjunction

Eliminate the conjunction (because, although, when, etc.).

Example:

• She was tired, she went to bed early.
  (This is still incorrect and needs further reduction.)

3. Convert the Clause into a Phrase

If the subject of the adverbial clause and the main clause are the same, remove the subject and change the verb to its -ing form (present participle).

Example:

• Being tired, she went to bed early.

4. Adjust for Passive Voice (if necessary)

If the adverbial clause is in the passive voice, use the past participle.

Example:

• After the cake was baked, it was served. → After being baked, the cake was served.

5. Use Prepositional Phrases (optional)

Some adverbial clauses can be reduced to prepositional phrases.

Example:

• While I was walking to the park, I saw a bird. → While walking to the park, I saw a bird.

Further reduction: Walking to the park, I saw a bird.

Examples of Reduction:

1. Time Clauses:

• Original: When he arrived at the station, he bought a ticket.
• Reduced: Arriving at the station, he bought a ticket.

2. Reason Clauses:

• Original: Because she was late, she missed the bus.
• Reduced: Being late, she missed the bus.

3. Condition Clauses:

• Original: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• Reduced: Studying hard, you will pass the exam.

4. Concession Clauses:

• Original: Although he was tired, he continued working.
• Reduced: Though tired, he continued working.

Key Notes:

• The subject of the adverbial clause and the main clause must be the same for reduction.
• Avoid ambiguity when reducing clauses to ensure the meaning remains clear.
• Not all adverbial clauses can be reduced (e.g., clauses with different subjects or complex structures).

Simplifying negative forms involves breaking down complex negative sentences into simpler, more straightforward structures. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Avoid Double Negatives

• Complex: I don’t have no money.
• Simple: I don’t have any money.
  (Double negatives cancel each other out, so use "any" instead of "no.")

2. Use Contractions for Informal Simplicity

• Complex: She does not like the movie.
• Simple: She doesn’t like the movie.
  (Contractions like "doesn’t" make the sentence shorter and more conversational.)

3. Replace Negative Phrases with Single Words

• Complex: He is not capable of doing this task.
• Simple: He is incapable of doing this task.
  (Replace "not capable" with "incapable" for brevity.)

4. Simplify Negative Questions

• Complex: Isn’t it true that you didn’t go to the party?
• Simple: Did you go to the party?
  (Avoid stacking negatives in questions for clarity.)

5. Use "No" Instead of "Not Any"

• Complex: There are not any apples left.
• Simple: There are no apples left.
  ("No" is more concise than "not any.")

6. Avoid Overly Complex Negative Structures

• Complex: It is not unlikely that he will not come.
• Simple: He might not come.
  (Simplify convoluted negatives for better understanding.)

7. Use "Never" for Emphasis

• Complex: I do not ever want to see you again.
• Simple: I never want to see you again.
  ("Never" is stronger and simpler than "do not ever.")

8. Break Down Complex Negative Sentences

• Complex: Despite not having studied, he did not fail the exam.
• Simple: He didn’t study, but he passed the exam.
  (Split the sentence into two simpler ideas.)

Transforming complex sentences into simpler ones using modals can make your writing clearer and more concise. Modals (like can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must) help express possibility, necessity, permission, or ability in a straightforward way. Here's how you can simplify complex ideas using modals:

1. Replace Conditional Clauses with Modals

• Complex: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• Simple: You should study hard to pass the exam.

2. Express Possibility or Uncertainty

• Complex: It is possible that she will come to the party.
• Simple: She might come to the party.

3. Simplify Obligations or Necessity

• Complex: It is necessary for you to complete the assignment by tomorrow.
• Simple: You must complete the assignment by tomorrow.

4. Replace Long Phrases with Modals

• Complex: I am not able to attend the meeting because I have other commitments.
• Simple: I can’t attend the meeting.

5. Express Suggestions or Advice

• Complex: It would be a good idea for you to take a break.
• Simple: You should take a break.

6. Simplify Requests or Permission

• Complex: Is it okay if I borrow your pen?
• Simple: Can I borrow your pen?

7. Replace Future Plans with Modals

• Complex: I plan to visit my grandparents next weekend.
• Simple: I will visit my grandparents next weekend.

8. Express Ability

• Complex: She has the ability to solve complex problems quickly.
• Simple: She can solve complex problems quickly.

Simplifying complex sentences by eliminating redundancies involves removing unnecessary words or phrases that do not add meaning. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Remove Repetitive Words

• Complex: She is a widow woman.
• Simple: She is a widow.

2. Avoid Overusing Adjectives or Adverbs

• Complex: He ran very quickly.
• Simple: He sprinted.

3. Eliminate Filler Phrases

• Complex: Due to the fact that it was raining, we stayed home.
• Simple: Because it was raining, we stayed home.

4. Use Stronger Verbs

• Complex: She made a decision to go.
• Simple: She decided to go.

5. Avoid Double Negatives

• Complex: I don’t have no money.
• Simple: I have no money.

6. Shorten Wordy Expressions

• Complex: At this point in time, we are not ready.
• Simple: We are not ready now.

7. Combine Sentences Where Possible

• Complex: The book was interesting. It was also informative.
• Simple: The book was interesting and informative.

8. Remove Unnecessary Qualifiers

• Complex: It was a very unique experience.
• Simple: It was a unique experience.

9. Avoid Redundant Pairs

• Complex: Each and every student must attend.
• Simple: Every student must attend.

10. Use Active Voice

• Complex: The meeting was attended by all the employees.
• Simple: All the employees attended the meeting.

Replacing phrasal verbs with single verbs can make your language more formal or concise. Here are some examples:

Phrasal Verb: Look after
Single Verb: Tend

Example:

• She looks after her younger brother. → She tends her younger brother.

Phrasal Verb: Give up
Single Verb: Quit

Example:

• He decided to give up smoking. → He decided to quit smoking.

Phrasal Verb: Put off
Single Verb: Postpone

Example:

• They put off the meeting until next week. → They postponed the meeting until next week.

Phrasal Verb: Take off
Single Verb: Remove

Example:

• Please take off your shoes before entering. → Please remove your shoes before entering.

Phrasal Verb: Find out
Single Verb: Discover

Example:

• I need to find out what happened. → I need to discover what happened.

Phrasal Verb: Bring up
Single Verb: Mention

Example:

• She brought up an important point during the discussion. → She mentioned an important point during the discussion.

Phrasal Verb: Carry out
Single Verb: Execute

Example:

• The team carried out the plan successfully. → The team executed the plan successfully.

Phrasal Verb: Set up
Single Verb: Establish

Example:

• They set up a new company last year. → They established a new company last year.

Phrasal Verb: Turn down
Single Verb: Reject

Example:

• He turned down the job offer. → He rejected the job offer.

Phrasal Verb: Go on
Single Verb: Continue

Example:

• The show must go on. → The show must continue.

Simplifying complex sentences by removing unnecessary words is a key aspect of clear and effective communication in English. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

1. Eliminate Redundancies: Redundant phrases repeat the same idea. Remove words that don't add new information.

• Complex: She is a person who is very intelligent.
• Simple: She is very intelligent.

2. Avoid Wordy Phrases: Replace long phrases with shorter, more direct alternatives.

• Complex: Due to the fact that it was raining, we stayed indoors.
• Simple: Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.

3. Use Active Voice: Active voice is often more concise and direct than passive voice.

• Complex: The book was read by me.
• Simple: I read the book.

4. Remove Filler Words: Words like "very," "really," "just," and "actually" often add little meaning.

• Complex: He was really very tired after the long journey.
• Simple: He was tired after the long journey.

5. Shorten Relative Clauses: Replace relative clauses (e.g., "who," "which," "that") with shorter phrases.

• Complex: The man who is standing over there is my uncle.
• Simple: The man standing there is my uncle.

6. Combine Sentences: Merge related ideas into one sentence to avoid repetition.

• Complex: She went to the store. She bought some groceries.
• Simple: She went to the store and bought groceries.

7. Use Strong Verbs: Replace weak verb phrases with stronger, more specific verbs.

• Complex: He made the decision to leave.
• Simple: He decided to leave.

8. Remove Unnecessary Modifiers: Adjectives and adverbs can often be cut if they don't add essential information.

• Complex: The incredibly beautiful sunset was amazing.
• Simple: The sunset was beautiful.

9. Avoid Over-Explaining: Trust the reader to understand without excessive detail.

• Complex: In my personal opinion, I think that we should go.
• Simple: We should go.

10. Use Pronouns: Replace repetitive nouns with pronouns to make sentences flow better.

• Complex: John said that John would be late.
• Simple: John said he would be late.

Examples:

• Complex: At this point in time, we are not in a position to make a decision.
• Simple: We can't decide now.
• Complex: The reason why he was late was because of the traffic.
• Simple: He was late because of traffic.

Identifying dependent clauses involves recognizing clauses that cannot stand alone as complete sentences. Here’s a simplified guide:

1. What is a Dependent Clause?

A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is a group of words with a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause to form a full sentence.

2. Key Features:

Subordinating Conjunctions: Dependent clauses often begin with words like because, although, since, if, when, while, after, before, unless, until, as, even though.

• e.g.: Because she was tired (dependent clause).

Relative Pronouns: They can also start with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, that.

• e.g.: The book that I borrowed (dependent clause).

3. How to Identify:

• Look for clauses that cannot stand alone as sentences.
• Check if the clause begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.
• Ask: Does this clause express a complete thought? If not, it’s dependent.

4. Examples:

• When the rain stopped (dependent clause) + we went outside (independent clause) = Complete sentence.
• Although he was late (dependent clause) + he apologized (independent clause) = Complete sentence.

To transform a complex sentence into a simple sentence, we can use participial phrases, infinitive phrases, prepositional phrases, absolute phrases, or nouns. Here are some examples:

1. Using a Participle

• Complex: When he saw the police, he ran away.
• Simple: Seeing the police, he ran away.

2. Using an Infinitive

• Complex: He worked hard so that he could pass the exam.
• Simple: He worked hard to pass the exam.

3. Using a Prepositional Phrase

• Complex: After the meeting was over, they left the office.
• Simple: After the meeting, they left the office.

4. Using an Absolute Phrase

• Complex: As the sun set, the birds returned to their nests.
• Simple: The sun having set, the birds returned to their nests.

5. Using a Noun Phrase

• Complex: He is the man who won the race.
• Simple: He is the winner of the race.