Question

Write two differences between Simple and Complex sentences.

Hint:

To easily find a complex sentence, look for a subordinating conjunction like because, although, or since. If the sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, it is complex!

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for two distinct structural differences between a simple sentence and a complex sentence based on their syntactic components (independent and dependent clauses).

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Identify sentences by their structural classifications:
• A simple sentence contains exactly one independent clause and no dependent clauses.
• A complex sentence contains exactly one independent clause combined with at least one dependent (subordinating) clause.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
We can contrast these two sentence types across two main criteria:
• Clause Composition: A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause, which contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought on its own. In contrast, a complex sentence contains one independent clause joined to at least one dependent clause. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it starts with a subordinating conjunction.
• Types of Connectors Used: Simple sentences do not require subordinating conjunctions to connect clauses since they only contain one clause. Complex sentences require subordinating conjunctions (such as because, although, since, while, if) or relative pronouns (such as who, which, that) to bind the dependent clause directly to the independent clause.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The key differences are:
• A simple sentence has only one independent clause, whereas a complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
• Simple sentences do not utilize subordinating conjunctions to join clauses, while complex sentences rely on subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns to connect their clauses.