Transformation of Sentences: Simple, Complex & Compound

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Transformation is the process of changing the form of sentences without changing the meaning.

Aims & Objectives

By the end of this article, you will learn how to convert simple, complex, or compound sentences.

Foolish Assumptions

We make some inescapable assumptions about you and your knowledge, including the following:

✦ You have good knowledge about the basics of grammar especially the five clause components, formation and function of noun phrase, adjective phrase, adverbial phrases, participle phrase and prepositional phrase.

✦ You know well about the seven coordinating conjunctions and how they join two independent clauses to form compound sentences.

Quick Recap

Before we proceed to learn how to interchange simple, complex & compound sentences, let us first recall what simple, complex and compound sentences are:

Simple Sentence

A simple sentence is a group of words that has only one clause. That is, a simple sentence has only one subject and one finite verb. The following sentences are simple:

Jake went in the forbidden island.
He discovered a hidden cave.
The cave was dangerous.
Yet, he entered the cave.
He solved some cunning puzzles.
Then he unearthed a chest brimming with jewels.
There was a victorious grin on his face.
He sailed into the sunset, riches in tow.

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.
As he solved some cunning puzzles, he unearthed a chest brimming with jewels.
With a victorious grin on his face, he sailed into the sunset, riches in tow.

Compound Sentence

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

Jake went in the forbidden island and discovered a hidden cave.
The cave was dangerous, but he entered the cave.
He easily solved some cunning puzzles, and he unearthed a chest brimming with jewels.
There was a victorious grin on his face, for he sailed into the sunset, riches in tow.

1. Complex to Compound

To convert a complex sentence into a compound sentence, you typically break it down into two or more independent clauses (simple sentences) and connect them using coordinating conjunctions or punctuation.

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

Original Complex Sentence: 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: Joining the Two Clauses with a Coordinating Conjunction

Compound Sentence: She started last but she finished first.

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

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

Example 2

Original Complex Sentence: 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: Joining the Two Clauses with a Coordinating Conjunction

Compound Sentence: He saw me and he acted crazy.

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

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

Example 3

Original Complex Sentence: We eat so that we can live. [Make it compound]

Step 1: Separating Two Clauses

Independent Clause: We eat
Dependent Clause: so that we can live

Step 2: Joining the Two Clauses with a Coordinating Conjunction

Compound Sentence: We want to live; so, we eat.

More Examples of Complex to Compound

Complex: Though she started last, she finished first. [Make it compound]
Compound: She started last, but she finished first. [Joining with Coordinate Conjunction]

Complex: When he saw me, he acted crazy. [Make it compound]
Compound: He saw me and acted crazy. [Joining with Coordinate Conjunction]

Complex: Though he is rich, he is greedy.
Compound: He is rich, but he is greedy.

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.

2. Compound to Complex

To convert a compound sentence into a complex sentence, you typically break it down into two or more independent clauses (simple sentences) and connect them using a suitable subordinating conjunction.

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

Step 1: Identify the Independent Clauses: Recognize the independent clauses in the compound sentence. These are standalone sentences that can function on their own.
Step 2: 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 3: Maintain Logical Sequence: Ensure that the meaning of the sentence remains clear and logical after the transformation.

Example 1:

Original Compound Sentence: She likes coffee, and she drinks it every morning.

Step 1: Identifying the Independent Clauses:

1st Independent Clause: She likes coffee.
2nd Independent Clause: she drinks it every morning.

Step 2: Converting one clause into a Subordinate Clause & Maintaining Logical Sequence:

Transformed Complex Sentence: As she likes coffee, she drinks it every morning.
[Or,] She drinks coffee every morning because she likes it.

Example 2:

Original Compound Sentence: He worked hard, but he couldn't prosper in life.

Step 1: Identifying the Independent Clauses:

1st Independent Clause: He worked hard.
2nd Independent Clause: he couldn't prosper in life.

Step 2: Converting one clause into a Subordinate Clause & Maintaining Logical Sequence:

Transformed Complex Sentence: Although he worked hard, he couldn't achieve success.
[Or,] He couldn't achieve success though he worked hard.

Example 3:

Original Compound Sentence: She played the piano, and everyone enjoyed the music.

Step 1: Identifying the Independent Clauses:

1st Independent Clause: She played the piano.
2nd Independent Clause: everyone enjoyed the music.

Step 2: Converting one clause into a Subordinate Clause & Maintaining Logical Sequence:

Transformed Complex Sentence: While she played the piano, everyone enjoyed the music.
[Or,] Everyone enjoyed the music when she played the piano.

More Examples of Compound to Complex

Compound: I invited him, but he did not come.
Complex: Although I invited him, he did not come.

Compound: Read more and you will learn more.
Complex: If you read more, you will learn more.

Compound: She is honest, and everybody loves her.
Complex: Since she is honest, everybody loves her.

3. Complex to Simple

To convert a complex sentence into simple, we reduce the dependent clause into a word or a phrase. The other clause remains unchanged.

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

Step 1: Identify the two clauses.
Step 2: Reduce the dependent clause into a phrase of same meaning.

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

Example 1

Original Complex Sentence: Though he is rich, he is greedy.

Step 1: Identifying Two Clauses

Independent Clause: he is greedy.
Dependent Clause: Though he is rich

Step 2: Reducing Dependent Clause into a Phrase of Same Meaning.

Simple: In spite of being rich, he is greedy. [The dependent clause is reduced into a prepositional phrase.]

Example 2

Original Complex Sentence: We eat so that we can live.

Step 1: Identifying Two Clauses

Independent Clause: We eat.
Dependent Clause: so that we can live

Step 2: Reducing Dependent Clause into a Phrase of Same Meaning.

Simple: We eat to live. [The dependent clause is reduced into an infinitive phrase.]

Example 3

Original Complex Sentence: You are poor because you are lazy.

Step 1: Identifying Two Clauses

Independent Clause: You are poor
Dependent Clause: because you are lazy

Step 2: Reducing Dependent Clause into a Phrase of Same Meaning.

Simple: You are poor because of your laziness. [The dependent clause is reduced into a prepositional phrase.]

More Examples of Complex to Simple

Complex: We eat so that we can live.
Simple: We eat to live. [Adverbial clause of purpose is reduced into an infinitive phrase.]

Complex: You are poor because you are lazy.
Simple: You are poor because of your laziness. [Adverbial clause of reason is reduced into a prepositional phrase.]

4. Simple to Complex

To convert a simple sentence into complex, we expand a phrase into a dependent clause. The other clause remains unchanged. Finally, we join the two clauses by a sub-ordinate conjunction.

Simple: Ricky is a smart girl.
Complex: Ricky is a girl who is smart.

Simple: We read to learn.
Complex: We read so that we can learn.

Simple: Everybody loves him for his honesty.
Complex: Everybody loves him because he is honest.

Simple: Ricky is a smart girl.
Complex: Ricky is a girl who is smart.

Simple: We read to learn.
Complex: We read so that we can learn.

Simple: Everybody loves him for his honesty.
Complex: Everybody loves him because he is honest.

5. Compound to Simple

To convert a compound sentence into simple, we reduce the first independent clause into a phrase. The second clause remains unchanged.

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

Step 1: Identify the two clauses.
Step 2: Reduce the first independent clause into a phrase of same meaning.

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

Example 1

Original Compound Sentence: He is rich but greedy.

Step 1: Identifying Two Clauses

First Independent Clause: He is rich
Second Independent Clause: [he is] greedy

Step 2: Reducing Independent Clause into a Phrase of Same Meaning.

Simple: In spite of being rich, he is greedy. [The first independent clause is reduced into a prepositional phrase.]

Example 2

Original Compound Sentence: I wanted to learn English; so, I went to London.

Step 1: Identifying Two Clauses

First Independent Clause: I wanted to learn English
Second Independent Clause: I went to London

Step 2: Reducing Independent Clause into a Phrase of Same Meaning.

Simple: I went to London to learn English. [The first independent clause is reduced into a prepositional phrase.]

Example 3

Original Compound Sentence: Read attentively or you will fail in the exam.

Step 1: Identifying Two Clauses

First Independent Clause: Read attentively
Second Independent Clause: you will fail in the exam

Step 2: Reducing Independent Clause into a Phrase of Same Meaning.

Simple: Without reading attentively, you will fail in the exam. [The first independent clause is reduced into a prepositional phrase.]

More Examples of Compound to Simple

Compound: She is brilliant but lazy.
Simple: In spite of being brilliant, she is lazy.

Compound: I wanted to learn English; so, I went to London.
Simple: I went to London to learn English.

Compound: Read diligently or you will fail in the exam.
Simple: Without reading diligently, you will fail in the exam.

6. Simple to Compound

To convert a simple sentence into compound, we expand a phrase into a dependent clause. The other clause remains unchanged. Finally, we join the two clauses by a co-ordinate conjunction.

Simple: Ricky is a smart girl.
Compound: Ricky is a girl, and she is smart.

Simple: We read to learn.
Compound: We read and learn.

Simple: Everybody loves him for his honesty.
Compound: Everybody loves him; for he is honest.

Interchange of Simple, Complex & Compound Sentences

Rules in Details

Detailed Examples of Changing Sentences from Simple, Complex & Compound

	Complex Sentences	Compound Sentences	Simple Sentences
1	Though/ Although [Adverbial Clause of Concession]	Clause 1 + but + Clause 2	In spite of/ Despite
2	If not/ Unless [Clause of Condition: Negative]	Clause 1 + or + Clause 2	Without + Gerund/ In case of [your] failure to + Verb
3	If [Clause of Condition: Affirmative]	Clause 1 + and + Clause 2	By + Gerund
4	As/ Since/ Because [Clause of Reason]	Clause 1 + and + Clause 2	Because of +
5	When/ While [Clause of Time]	Clause 1 + and + Clause 2	Prepositional Phrase [Time]
6	Before/ After [Clause of Time]	Clause 1 + and + Clause 2	Prepositional Phrase [Time]
7	So That [Clause of Purpose]	Clause 1 + and + Clause 2	To Infinitive [Purpose]
8	So + Adjective + That [Clause of Result]	Clause 1 + and + Clause 2	Too + Adjective + To
9	Who/ Which/ That [Adjective Clause]	Clause 1 + and + Clause 2	[Turn the adjective phrase into an] Adjective/ Adjective Phrase
1 0	Place Where/ Time When/ Reason Why [Adjective Clause]	Clause 1 + and + Clause 2	[Turn the adjective phrase into a] Prepositional Phrase

Type 1. Though/ Although [Clause of Concession]

A sub-ordinate clause, which gives opposite meaning of the main clause, is an adverbial clause of concession. The information given in the main clause refers to a concession or an unexpected result of something. The conjunctions that are used before an adverbial clause of concession are 'though', 'although', 'even though', 'even if', 'whereas' and 'while'.

To convert such complex sentences into compound, we omit the sub-ordinate conjunction ('though', 'although', 'even though', etc.) and join the two clauses by 'but'. The conjunction 'but' is used after the clause of concession (before the clause of supposition).

To convert it into simple, we reduce the sub-ordinate clause into a noun phrase and put it after the prepositional phrase 'in spite of' or 'despite'.

Sentence	Connector	Example
Complex	though/ although	Though he works hard, he cannot earn well.
Compound	but	He works hard but cannot earn well.
Simple	in spite of/ despite	In spite of working hard, he cannot earn well.

More Examples

Complex: Though he is poor, he is happy.
Compound: He is poor but happy.
Simple: In spite of his being poor, he is happy. [Or, In spite of his poverty, he is happy.]

Complex: Although many people work hard, they cannot prosper in life.
Compound: Many people work hard but cannot prosper in life.
Simple: In spite of working hard, many people cannot prosper in life.

Complex: Although I invited him, he did not come.
Compound: I invited him, but he did not come.
Simple: In spite of my invitation, he did not come.

1. Change the following sentences as directed in brackets.

(a) Though they look black, they are adorable. (Make it compound)

(b) Though he sailed for India, he reached America. (Make it compound)

(d) A truthful person may lead a poor life but is honored everywhere. (Make it simple)

(e) In spite of some disadvantages, the necessity of a mobile phone cannot be denied. (Make it complex)

(f) He can't earn well in spite of working hard. (Make it compound)

Type 2: If/ Unless [Clause of Condition]

A subordinate clause which refers to condition is called an adverbial clause of condition. An adverbial clause of condition begins with the subordinate conjunctions 'if' or 'unless'. The other clause is an independent clause or main clause.

To change such complex sentences into compound, we omit the subordinate conjunction 'if' or 'unless'. Then we join the two independent clauses by the coordinating conjunctions 'or' or 'and'. Note that the conditional clause comes before the result clause.

To convert it into simple, we reduce the dependent clause into a noun phrase and put it after the prepositions 'without' or 'by'.

Example 1: If Clause Is Negative

Sentence	Connector	Example
Complex	if (not) /unless	If you do not stop smoking cigarette, you will be sick.
Compound	or	Stop smoking cigarette or you will be sick.
Simple	without + gerund	Without stopping smoking cigarette, you will be sick.

More Examples

Complex: If you do not take rest, you will become sick.
Compound: Take rest or you will become sick.
Simple: Without taking rest, you will become sick. [Or, In case of your failure to take rest, you will become sick.]

Complex: If you do not move, you will die.
Compound: Move or you will die.
Simple: Without moving, you will die. [Or, In case of your failure to move, you will die.]

Example 2: If Clause Is Affirmative

Sentence	Connector	Example
Complex	if	If you read more, you will learn more.
Compound	and	Read more and you will learn more.
Simple	by+ gerund	By reading more, you will learn more.

More Examples

Complex: If you take rest, you will be okay.
Compound: Take rest and you will be okay.
Simple: By taking rest, you will be okay. [Or, In case of your taking rest, you will be okay.]

Complex: If you move, you will die.
Compound: Move and you will die.
Simple: By moving, you will die. [Or, In case of your moving, you will die.]

2. Change the sentences as directed in brackets.

(a) If you watch television, you can learn many things. (Make it compound)

(b) If a student fails in the examination, he suffers from inferiority complex. (Make it compound)

(d) One can receive reward if he works hard. (Make it simple)

Type 3: As/ Since/ Because [Clause of Reason]

A dependent clause which tells the reason of the action of the main clause is an adverbial clause of reason. It tells us why the action of the main clause happens. The other clause (the main clause) is the clause of result. An adverbial clause of reason generally begins with 'as', 'since', or 'because'.

To change such complex sentences into compound, we omit the subordinate conjunction 'as' 'since' or 'because'. Then we join the two clauses by the coordinating conjunctions 'so' 'for' or 'and'. Note that the cause clause comes before the result clause.

To convert it into simple, we reduce the dependent clause into a noun phrase and put it after the prepositions 'because' or 'for'.

Sentence	Connector	Example
Complex	as/ since/ because	As cuckoos are lazy, they don't make their own nests.
Compound	and/ so/ for	Cuckoos are lazy; so, they don't make their own nests.
Simple	because of	Because of being lazy, cuckoos don't make their own nests.

More Examples

Complex: He got a prize because he stood first.
Compound: He stood first and got a prize.
Simple: Because of his standing first, he got a prize.

Complex: Since the boy told lies, the teacher punished him.
Compound: The boy told lies; so, the teacher punished him.
Simple: The teacher punished the boy for telling lies.

3. Change the following sentences as directed in brackets.

(a) He was a free will agent and chose to do careful work. (Make it complex)

(b) Everybody trusted him for his honesty. (Make it complex)

(d) There he came in contact with many people and learnt many things about them. (Make it simple)

(e) Since they fade soon, they lose their beauty. (Make it simple)

Type 4. When/ While [Clause of Time]

A subordinate clause which refers to time is called an adverbial clause of time. An adverbial clause of time begins with the subordinate conjunctions 'when' 'while', 'before' or 'after'. The other clause is an independent clause or main clause.

To change such complex sentences into compound, we turn the dependent clause into an independent clause by omitting the subordinate conjunctions 'when' 'while', 'before' or 'after'. Then we the two independent clauses by the coordinate conjunction 'and'. Note that the time clause comes before the other clause.

To convert it into simple, we reduce the dependent clause into a phrase. The table below shows the rules in short.

Sentence	Connector	Example
Complex	when	I was twenty years ago when I was living in Paris.
Compound	and	It was twenty years ago, and I was living in Paris.
Simple	--	Twenty years ago, I was living in Paris.

More Examples

Complex: When he received the parcel, he paid the bill.
Compound: He received the parcel and paid the bill.
Simple: Receiving the parcel, he paid the bill.

Complex: It was night when I was sleeping.
Compound: It was night, and I was sleeping.
Simple: At night I was sleeping.

4. Change the following sentences as directed in brackets.

(a) When we read good books, we discover new worlds. (Make it Compound)

(b) That night, while sleeping, he heard a noise. (Make it compound)

(d) Father came home and gave me an ice-cream. (Make it simple)

(e) When I reached there, my friend received me cordially. (Make it complex)

(f) Long time ago, there lived a young man in a village. (Make it compound)

Type 5. Before/ After [Clause of Time]

To convert it into simple, we reduce the dependent clause into a phrase. The table below shows the rules in short.

Sentence	Connector	Example
Complex	before/ after	Make a call before you come.
Compound	and	Make a call and come.
Simple	before/ after	Make a call before coming.

More Examples

Complex: After he had received the parcel, he paid the bill.
Compound: He had received the parcel and paid the bill.
Simple: After receiving the parcel, he paid the bill.

Complex: I had informed her before I went to her home.
Compound: I had informed her, and I went to her home.
Simple: I had informed her before going to her home.

4. Change the following sentences as directed in brackets.

(a) I had arrived at the airport about an hour before the flight departed. (Make it Simple)

(b) After the plane had taken off, a hostess came to me. (Make it compound).

Type 6. So that [Clause of Purpose]

A subordinate clause which refers to purpose is called an adverbial clause of purpose. An adverbial clause of purpose begins with the subordinate conjunctions 'that', 'so that, or 'in order that'. The other clause is an independent clause or main clause.

To change such complex sentences into compound, we omit the subordinate conjunctions 'that', 'so that, or 'in order that'. Then we join the two independent clauses by the coordinating conjunctions 'and' or 'so'. Note that if you use the coordinate conjunction 'so', the purpose clause comes before the other clause.

To convert it into simple, we reduce the dependent clause into an infinitive phrase.

Sentence	Connector	Example
Complex	so that	We read so that we can learn.
Compound	and/ so	We want to learn; so, we read.
Simple	to + verb	We read to learn.

More Examples

Complex: They come here so that they can enjoy themselves.
Compound: They come here and enjoy themselves.
Simple: They come here to enjoy themselves.

Complex: We should read books so that we can gain knowledge.
Compound: We should read books and gain knowledge.
Simple: We should read books to gain knowledge.

5. Change the sentences as directed in brackets.

(a) We need flowers to decorate a place. (Make it complex)

(b) During his lifetime he spent money lavishly and helped the poor. (Make it complex)

(d) He wants that his students be good citizens. (Make it compound)

(e) So, we should be aware so that we can prevent air pollution. (Make it complex)

Type 7. So + Adjective + That [Clause of Result]

Sentence	Connector	Example
Complex	so + adjective + that	He is so poor that he cannot pay his tuition fee.
Compound	very + adjective + and	He is very poor, and he cannot pay his tuition fee.
Simple	too + adjective + to	He is too poor to pay his tuition fee.

More Examples

Complex: He is so weak that he cannot walk.
Compound: He is very weak, and he cannot walk.
Simple: He is too weak to walk.

Complex: The tea was so hot that I could not drink it.
Compound: The tea was very hot, and I could not drink it.
Simple: The tea was too hot for me to drink.

6. Change the sentences as directed in brackets.

(a) He was too kind to refuse anyone's request. (Make it compound)

(b) Literacy is so important that it is called the platform of education. (Make it compound)

(d) Sound pollution in the city is too high for life to become impossible here. (Make it complex)

(e) It was very far beyond my means and I had never thought of going there. (Make it complex)

(f) Be so kind that you can help me. (Make it simple).

(g) I was very young and could not say 'no' to a woman. (Make it simple)

Type 8. Who/ Which/ That [Adjective Clause]

Sentence	Connector	Examples
Complex	who/ which/ that [Relative Pronoun]	You are a man who is wise.
Compound	and	You are a man, and you are wise.
Simple	--	You are a wise man.

More Examples

Compound: Many people are farmers, and they live in villages.
Complex: Many people who are farmers live in villages.
Simple: Being farmers, many people live in villages. / Farmers live in villages.

Simple: Dhaka is a big city.
Complex: Dhaka is a city which is big.
Compound: Dhaka is a city, and it is big.

Simple: Nobel is a wise man.
Complex: Nobel is a man who is wise.
Compound: Nobel is a man, and he is wise.

7. Change the sentences as directed in brackets.

(a) Suddenly they saw a bear which was coming towards them. (Make it compound)

(b) The education learnt from this institution played better role in his life (Make it compound).

(d) Many people are poor and cannot afford to take a balanced diet. (Make it simple)

(e) It is a telephone system working without any wire. (Make it complex)

(f) Students will learn from their teachers and it is true. (Make it complex)

(g) People living in the high land can escape flood. (Make it complex)

(h) The students studying regularly can expect a good result. (Make it complex)

(i) A corrupted man can do anything against morality. (Make it complex)

(j) An industrious man will shine in life. (Make it complex)

Type 9. Place Where [Adjective Clause]

Sentence	Connector	Examples
Complex	Place Where [Adjective Clause]	Crows make their own nests where they live.
Compound	and	Crows make their own nests and live there.
Simple	--	Crows live in their own nests.

More Examples

Complex: It is house where people live.
Compound: It is house, and people live here.
Simple: People live in house.

8. Change the sentences as directed in brackets.

(a) He was born at Cumberland. (Make it compound)

(h) Home is the place where our heart lives. (Make it simple)

Type 10: [Adjective Clause]

Sentence	Connector	Example
Simple	--	Unity is strength.
Complex	relative pronouns	It is unity which is strength.
Compound	and	It is unity and it is strength.

More Examples

Simple: I do not know his name.
Complex: I do not know what his name is.
Compound: He has a name, but I do not know it.

Simple: Tell me the truth.
Complex: Tell me what the truth is.
Compound: There is a truth and tell me it.

Simple: Once there was a king named Lear.
Complex: Once there was a king whose name was Lear.
Compound: Once there was a king and his name was Lear.

9. Transform the sentences as directed in brackets.

(a) Life is not a bed of roses. (Make it complex)

(b) Work is life. (Make it complex)