Question

Combine the two simple sentences below to form a simple sentence:
The match was over. The players could take rest.

• A. As the match was over, the players could take rest.
• B. The match being over, the players could take rest.
• C. Once the match was over, the players could take rest.
• D. The players could take rest because the match was over.

Answer 1

The correct option is B The match being over, the players could take rest.

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 on the main clause.

Option A: The word, "as" is a subordinating conjunction which connects dependent and independent clauses. The clause, "the players could take rest" is an independent clause. The clause, "as the match was over" 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 B: This sentence has only one clause with a single subject ("The players") and predicate ("could take rest"). The words, "the match being over" is a phrase and not a clause. Hence, this is a simple sentence and this option is correct.

Option C: The word, "once" is a subordinating conjunction which connects dependent and independent clauses. The clause, "the players could take rest" is an independent clause. The clause, "once the match was over" 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: The word, "because" is a subordinating conjunction which connects dependent and independent clauses. The clause, "The players could take rest" is an independent clause. The clause, "because the match was over" cannot stand by itself and make good sense. It is a dependent clause. Hence, this is a complex sentence and this option is incorrect.