Question

Combine the simple sentences to form a meaningful compound sentence:
You can win the race. You have to practice hard.

• A. You can win the race by practising hard.
• B. You can win the race, but you have to practice hard.
• C. You can win the race if you practice hard.
• D. For winning the race, you have to practice hard.

Answer 1

The correct option is B You can win the race, but you have to practice hard.

A simple sentence has only one subject and predicate. It has a finite verb with a completed thought. A compound sentence has at least two parts (also referred to as a clause). Each part has its own subject and predicate and makes good sense by itself. Hence each clause is independent of the other and called the main clause or independent clause. The main clauses are connected using a co-ordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

A complex sentence has at least one main clause (which is an independent clause) and one or more dependent clauses, connected using a subordinate conjunction. The dependent clause cannot stand by itself and make good sense. It depends upon the main clause.

Option A: This sentence has only one clause i.e., " You can win the race". It has only a single subject ("you") and predicate ("can win the race"). The words, "by practising hard" is a phrase and not a clause. Hence, this is a simple sentence and this option is incorrect.

Option B: The two clauses viz (i) "You can win the race" and (ii) "you have to practice hard", can stand independently and make good sense. They are independent clausesconnected using the co-ordinating conjunction-"and". Hence, this is a compound sentence and this answer is correct.

Option C: "If" is a subordinating conjunction which expresses a condition. The clause, "You can win the race" is an independent clause. The clause, "if you practice hard" cannot stand by itself and make good sense. It is a dependent clause. Hence, this is a complex sentence and this option is incorrect.

Option D: This sentence has only one clause i.e., "You have to practice hard". It has only a single subject ("you") and predicate ("have to practice hard"). The words, "for winning the race" is a phrase and not a clause. Hence, this is a simple sentence and this option is incorrect.