Page 47 - English Reader - 7

Let’s Learn Grammar

Simple, Compound and Complex sentences

You have already read about independent and dependant clauses.

• A simple sentence has just one independent clause.

He was a very selfish Giant.
• A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses that are joined by the words
or, and, nor, for, but, yet or so. Either clause can stand alone as a sentence.

He was dresssed in grey, and his breath was like ice.

• A complex sentence is made up of more than one clause – an independent clause and one
or more dependent clauses. The clauses in such a sentence are connected by words such as
because, after, before, since, though, although, when, that, which or who.

One morning the Giant was lying awake in bed when he heard some lovely music.

(independent or main clause) (dependent or subordinate clause)

Write simple, compound or complex for these sentences.

1. The Giant saw a most wonderful sight. __________

2. The Giant crept downstairs and he opened the front door quite softly. __________

3. The poor tree was still quite covered with frost and snow. __________

4. The children came running back when they realised the Giant was not
wicked any longer. __________

5. It was just a little linnet singing yet it seemed to be the most beautiful music
in the world to the Giant’s ears. __________

6. Although it was Spring outside, it was still winter in the Giant’s garden. __________

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Consult a dictionary to find out the correct meanings of these words.

Word Meaning Word Meaning
daydream hallucination

nightmare premonition

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