Question

Combine the two simple sentences below to form a simple sentence:
They are sincere children. They work hard.

• A. They are sincere children, so they work hard.
• B. If they are sincere children, they will work hard.
• C. They are sincere children and they work hard.
• D. They are sincere and hardworking children.

Answer 1

The correct option is D They are sincere and hardworking children.

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, "so" is a subordinating conjunction which connects dependent and independent clauses. The clause, "They are sincere children" is an independent clause. The clause, "so they work 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 B: The word, "if" is a subordinating conjunction which connects dependent and independent clauses. The clause, "They will work hard" is an independent clause. The clause, "If they are sincere children" 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 C: The two clauses viz (i) "They are sincere children" and (ii) "They work hard", can stand independently and make good sense. They are independent clauses connected using the co-ordinating conjunction-"and". Hence, this is a compound sentence and this answer is incorrect.

Option D: This sentence has only one clause with a single subject ("They") and predicate ("are sincere and hardworking children"). Hence, this is a simple sentence and this option is correct.