Complex to Compound

Quick Recap

Before we proceed to learn how to change complex sentences into compound, let us first recall what complex and compound sentences are:

Complex Sentence

A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more sub-ordinate clauses joined by a sub-ordinate conjunction. The following sentences are complex:

• Jake went in the forbidden island where he discovered a hidden cave. 
• Though the cave was dangerous, he entered the cave.

Compound Sentence

A compound sentences has two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. 

• Jake went in the forbidden island and (he) discovered a hidden cave. 
• The cave was dangerous, but he entered the cave.

Now let us see how we can transform complex sentences compound:

Here's a general guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Separate the two clauses by removing the subordinate conjunction.

Step 2: Connect these simple sentences using a suitable coordinating conjunction which has similar meaning of the subordinate conjunction.

Remember that the dependent clause, which is changed into independent clause, comes before the coordinate conjunction.

Step 3: Remove the repeated words of the second clause. [Using Ellipsis]

Now, let's take some complex sentences and then convert them into compound sentences.

Example 1 

Complex: Though she started last, she finished first. [Make it compound]

Step 1: Separating Two Clauses

Independent Clause: She finished first.
Dependent Clause: Though she started last.

Step 2: Removing Subordinate Conjunction & Joining with Coordinating Conjunction

She started last but she finished first.

Step 3: Removing repeated words of the second clause. [Using Ellipsis]

Compound: She started last but finished first. [Using Ellipsis]

Example 2 

Complex: When he saw me, he acted crazy. [Make it compound]

Step 1: Separating Two Clauses

Independent Clause: He acted crazy.
Dependent Clause: When he saw me.

 Step 2: Removing Subordinate Conjunction & Joining with Coordinating Conjunction

He saw me and he acted crazy.

Step 3: Removing repeated words of the second clause. [Using Ellipsis]

Compound: He saw me and acted crazy. [Using Ellipsis]

Here are some more examples:

Complex: We eat so that we can live.
Compound: We want to live, so we eat.

Complex: You are poor because you are lazy.
Compound: You are poor for you are lazy.

Rules for Transformation:

Step 1: Identify Independent Clauses:

Recognize the independent clauses in the compound sentence. These are standalone sentences that can function on their own.

Step 1: Convert one clause into a Subordinate Clause:

Choose one of the independent clauses and convert it into a subordinate (dependent) clause by adding a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.

Step 1: Maintain Sentence Logic:

Ensure that the meaning of the sentence remains clear and logical after the transformation.

Examples:

Original Compound Sentence:

• She likes coffee, and she drinks it every morning.
  

Transformation:

• As she likes coffee, she drinks it every morning.
  
• She drinks coffee every morning because she likes it.

Original Compound Sentence:

• He worked hard, but he couldn't achieve success.
  

Transformation:

• Although he worked hard, he couldn't achieve success.
  
• He couldn't achieve success though he worked hard.

Original Compound Sentence:

• She played the piano, and everyone enjoyed the music.
  

Transformation:

• While she played the piano, everyone enjoyed the music.
  
• Everyone enjoyed the music when she played the piano.

Original Compound Sentence:

• They visited the museum, and they learned a lot about history.
  

Transformation:

• Because they visited the museum, they learned a lot about history.
  
• They learned a lot about history when they visited the museum.

Original Compound Sentence:

• He saved money, and he bought a new car.
  

Transformation:

• As he saved money, he bought a new car.
  
• He bought a new car because he saved money.

Common Subordinating Conjunctions:

• Although, because, since, when, while, if, unless, until, after, before, etc.

Common Relative Pronouns:

• Who, whom, whose, which, that

Remember that the transformation may vary based on the context and the specific elements in the sentence. The key is to maintain clarity and coherence while incorporating the subordinate clause.