Complex Sentences (I) Level: Basic/Elementary Worksheet

MAKING TWO SENTENCES FROM ONE

Being a good writer means that sometimes you use short simple sentences, and at other times you use complex sentences. A complex sentence expresses more than one idea. When you read you will sometimes find complex sentences that are hard to understand. In this task you can practise separating the ideas that have been combined in a complex sentence. You can improve your reading comprehension and your writing skills if you have confidence with complex sentences.

Read each complex sentence below carefully. You need look for and understand the two ideas being expressed in each sentence. Make each complex sentence into TWO simple sentences. HIGHLIGHT the words expressing one idea and DRAG them down to make a new sentence. You will need to add or remove some words and correct the punctuation so that you have two simple sentences.

Be careful that you do not change the meaning.

  1. I had to wait because my sister was late.

I had to wait. My sister was late.

  1. My mother teaches French, while my father teaches Physics.

My mother teaches French. My father teaches Physics.

  1. The rabbit’s left front leg was injured and it couldn’t run.

The rabbit’s left front leg was injured. It couldn’t run.

  1. They opened the curtains so that they could see the view.

They opened the curtains. Then they could see the view.

5. Although she was disappointed with the result, she did not complain.

She was disappointed with the result. She did not complain.

  1. When the show finished many people rushed towards the stage.

The show finished. Many people rushed towards the stage.

  1. Since my sisters always fight with one another, there is no peace at home.

My sisters always fight with one another. There is no peace at home.

  1. His car worth $20,000 was stolen last night.

His car was stolen last night. It is worth $20,000.

  1. This Friday, instead of the usual dictation we’re having a reading comprehension test.

This Friday we’re having a reading comprehension test. This is instead of the usual dictation.

  1. He rode the motorbike that had once belonged to his older brother, to work for the first time.

He rode the motorbike to work for the first time. It had once belonged to his older brother.

With permission from Nigel Pearson