English Grammar Topic Split Sentences for West Bengal Board Class 10
There probably have been times when you have come across really long and complicated sentences and had to reread them to understand their meaning. Sometimes, splitting these sentences into shorter, concise ones can make their comprehension better and easier. This is where the concept of splitting sentences comes in. Instead of cramming multiple ideas and thoughts into a single sentence, splitting helps in improving readability and clarity of the sentence.
In this article, we will explore the concept of splitting sentences, their types, examples, tips and some practice questions to improve your skills.
- Types of Splitting of sentences
- Examples of Split Sentences
- Tips to attempt questions on Split Sentences
- Exercises on Split Sentences – Practice Questions
Types of splitting of Sentences
Splitting sentences is done primarily to break down complex, compound or lengthy sentences into shorter ones. The following are some types of how sentences are split:
1. Simple sentences
Simple sentences usually cannot be “split” in the traditional sense (as they contain only one independent clause), certain exercises or questions may ask you to rewrite a sentence as multiple simple sentences. This means breaking down the original sentence into two or more separate independent clauses.
For example,
- Before (Simple Sentence): He is too weak to run.
- After (Rewritten as Two Simple Sentences): He is very weak. He cannot run.
2. Complex Sentences
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. While complex sentences help connect ideas, they can sometimes become too long or confusing. Splitting them can make the message easier to understand.
For Example,
- Before: Since it was raining, we decided to stay indoors.
- After: It was raining. We decided to stay indoors.
3. Compound Sentences
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses connected by conjunctions like and, but, so, or. While these sentences maintain certain fluidity, splitting them can make each idea stand out.
For Example,
- Before: She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
- After: She studied hard. She passed the exam.
Examples of Split Sentences
Given below are some examples:
1. Simple Sentences
- Before: He is too tired to continue working.
- After: He is very tired. He cannot continue working.
- Before: The sun was too hot to step outside.
- After: The sun was very hot. I could not step outside.
- Before: This question is too difficult to solve.
- After: This question is very difficult. I cannot solve it.
2. Complex Sentences
- Before: Since she was late, she missed the train.
- After: She was late. She missed the train.
- Before: Although he tried his best, he did not win the race.
- After: He tried his best. He did not win the race.
- Before: If you don’t leave now, you will miss the bus.
- After: Leave now. Otherwise, you will miss the bus.
3. Compound Sentences
- Before: I wanted to watch a movie, but I had too much work.
- After: I wanted to watch a movie. I had too much work.
- Before: I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.
- After: I wanted to go for a walk. It started raining.
- Before: We can go to the park, or we can stay at home.
- After: We can go to the park. We can stay at home.
Tips to attempt questions on Split Sentences
Some tips to ensure that you ace splitting sentences are given below:
1. Identify the Main Ideas – Break down the sentence into separate thoughts or actions to ensure clarity. For example,
- Before: She completed her project on time because she managed her schedule well.
- After: She completed her project on time. She managed her schedule well.
2. Maintain Proper Meaning – While splitting, ensure that the new sentences convey the same meaning as the original sentence. For example,
- Before: He was so tired that he could not keep his eyes open.
- Incorrect Split: He was so tired. He kept his eyes open. (Alters meaning)
- Correct Split: He was very tired. He could not keep his eyes open.
3. Use Correct Punctuation – Always use a period (.) to separate the split sentences instead of relying on commas.
4. Avoid Redundancy – Do not unnecessarily repeat words while splitting; ensure conciseness without losing meaning.
5. Check for Grammatical Accuracy – Ensure that the split sentences remain grammatically correct and properly structured. For example,
- Before: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
- Incorrect Split: Because it was raining. We stayed inside.
- Correct Split: It was raining. We stayed inside.
Also See: WBBSE Class 10 English Summary and Lesson Notes
Exercises on Split Sentences Practice Questions
Multiple-Choice Questions
Choose the best option to split the sentence correctly while maintaining its meaning.
1. She was so tired that she could not finish her work.
a) She was so tired. She finished her work.
b) She was very tired. She could not finish her work.
c) She was tired. That she could not finish her work.
d) She was so tired. Could not finish her work.
2. Although he studied hard, he did not pass the test.
a) He studied hard. He did not pass the test.
b) He did not pass the test. Although he studied hard.
c) Although he studied. He did not pass the test.
d) He studied. He passed the test.
3. We went to the park, but it started raining.
a) We went to the park. It started raining.
b) We went to the park. But it started raining.
c) Went to the park. It started to raining.
d) We went to the park, and it started raining.
4. Since she loves reading, she spends hours in the library.
a) She loves reading. She spends hours in the library.
b) Since she loves reading. She spends hours in the library.
c) Loves reading. Spends hours in the library.
d) She loves reading because she spends hours in the library.
5. He is too weak to lift the box.
a) He is weak. He lifts the box.
b) He is very weak. He cannot lift the box.
c) He is weak. He does not lift the box.
d) He is weak, so he lifts the box.
6. If you don’t hurry, you will miss the bus.
a) You don’t hurry. You will miss the bus.
b) Hurry. Otherwise, you will miss the bus.
c) You will miss the bus. Hurry.
d) If you don’t hurry. You will miss the bus.
7. She cooked dinner, and he set the table.
a) She cooked dinner. He set the table.
b) She cooked dinner and. He set the table.
c) She cooked. Dinner and he set the table.
d) She cooked dinner. And he set the table.
8. Even though it was cold, they went outside.
a) It was cold. They went outside.
b) They went outside. It was cold.
c) Even though it was cold. They went outside.
d) It was very cold. They still went outside.
9. She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
a) She studied hard. She passed the exam.
b) Studied hard. Passed the exam.
c) She studied hard, because she passed the exam.
d) Studied. Passed.
10. Because the road was blocked, we took a different route.
a) The road was blocked. We took a different route.
b) The road was blocked. Because we took a different route.
c) We took a different route. The road was blocked.
d) We took a different route because the road was blocked.
11. He was very hungry, but there was no food at home.
a) He was very hungry. There was no food at home.
b) He was hungry. No food at home.
c) He was very hungry and. There was no food at home.
d) He was hungry. But there was no food at home.
12. She enjoys dancing, and she takes ballet classes.
a) She enjoys dancing. She takes ballet classes.
b) She enjoys dancing and takes ballet classes.
c) Enjoys dancing. Takes ballet classes.
d) She enjoys dancing, so she takes ballet classes.
13. Since it was getting late, we decided to leave.
a) It was getting late. We decided to leave.
b) It was getting late, so we decided to leave.
c) It was getting late. Because we decided to leave.
d) Getting late. We decided to leave.
14. Although she tried her best, she failed the test.
a) She tried her best, so she failed the test.
b) She tried her best. She failed the test.
c) Although she tried. She failed the test.
d) She tried her best. But she failed the test.
15. The sun was shining, so we went to the beach.
a) The sun was shining. We went to the beach.
b) The sun was shining, and we went to the beach.
c) The sun shined. Beach we went.
d) The sun was shining. But we went to the beach.
16. If you do not complete your work, you will not be allowed to go out.
a) You do not complete your work. You will not be allowed to go out.
b) Complete your work. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to go out.
c) You will not be allowed to go out. Complete your work.
d) If you do not complete. You will not be allowed to go out.
17. She had a headache, yet she continued working.
a) She had a headache. She continued working.
b) She had a headache, but she continued working.
c) Headache she had. Continued working.
d) She had a headache. And she continued working.
18. He is too short to reach the shelf.
a) He is very short. He cannot reach the shelf.
b) He is short. He reaches the shelf.
c) He is short. But he reaches the shelf.
d) He is very short, so he reaches the shelf.
19. We arrived late because the traffic was heavy.
a) The traffic was heavy. We arrived late.
b) The traffic was heavy. Because we arrived late.
c) We arrived late. Since the traffic was heavy.
d) Heavy traffic. Late we arrived.
20. Since he lost his wallet, he had no money.
a) He lost his wallet. He had no money.
b) He had no money. Since he lost his wallet.
c) He lost his wallet. Because he had no money.
d) Lost wallet. No money.
21. The book was interesting, but it was very long.
a) The book was interesting. It was very long.
b) The book was interesting. And it was very long.
c) The book was interesting and. It was very long.
d) The book was interesting. But it was very long.
22. Even though he was tired, he finished his homework.
a) He was tired. Although he finished his homework.
b) He was tired. But he finished his homework.
c) He was tired. And he finished his homework.
d) He was tired. He still finished his homework.
23. Because the weather was cold, we stayed inside.
a) The weather was cold. We stayed inside.
b) The weather was cold. Because we stayed inside.
c) Stayed inside. The weather was cold.
d) Cold weather. We stayed inside.
24. She was nervous about the presentation, yet she spoke confidently.
a) She was nervous about the presentation. She spoke confidently.
b) She was nervous about the presentation, and she spoke confidently.
c) Nervous about the presentation. Spoke confidently.
d) She was nervous about the presentation. But she spoke confidently.
25. He is too young to drive a car.
a) Young he is. Car he cannot drive.
b) He is young. He drives a car.
c) He is very young, and he drives a car.
d) He is very young. He cannot drive a car.
26. She was feeling unwell, so she decided to rest.
a) She was feeling unwell. She decided to rest.
b) Feeling unwell. Decided to rest.
c) She was feeling unwell. Because she decided to rest.
d) She was unwell and. She decided to rest.
27. They had planned a picnic, but the weather turned bad.
a) They had planned a picnic. The weather turned bad.
b) They had planned a picnic. But the weather turned bad.
c) The weather turned bad. They had planned a picnic.
d) Picnic was planned. Weather turned bad.
28. If the train is late, we will take a taxi.
a) The train is late. We will take a taxi.
b) If the train is late. We will take a taxi.
c) The train is late. Because we will take a taxi.
d) We will take a taxi if the train is late.
29. She was excited about the trip, yet she felt nervous.
a) She was excited. Yet she felt nervous.
b) She was excited about the trip. She felt nervous.
c) Excited about the trip. Nervous she felt.
d) She was excited, but she was feeling nervous.
30. Since they had no electricity, they used candles for light.
a) They had no electricity. They used candles for light.
b) No electricity. Candles were used for light.
c) Since they had no electricity. They used candles for light.
d) They used candles for light, so they had no electricity.
31. The book was well-written, and it had an interesting plot.
a) The book was well-written. It had an interesting plot.
b) The book was written well. Plot was interesting.
c) Well-written book. Interesting plot.
d) The book had an interesting plot. It was well-written.
32. He forgot his umbrella, so he got wet in the rain.
a) He forgot his umbrella. He got wet in the rain.
b) Forgot his umbrella. Got wet in the rain.
c) His umbrella was forgotten, so rain got him wet.
d) He forgot his umbrella. Because he got wet in the rain.
33. Although she was busy, she helped her friend with the project.
a) She was busy. She helped her friend with the project.
b) She was busy. But helped her friend with the project.
c) Although she was busy. She helped her friend with the project.
d) Busy she was. Yet helped her friend.
34. He missed the first part of the movie because he was late.
a) He was late. He missed the first part of the movie.
b) Because he was late. He missed the first part of the movie.
c) He missed the first part of the movie. Because he was late.
d) Late he was. First part of movie missed.
35. The cake was delicious, but it was too sweet for me.
a) The cake was delicious. However, it was too sweet for me.
b) The cake was delicious and. It was too sweet for me.
c) Delicious cake. Too sweet for me.
d) The cake was delicious. But it was too sweet.
36. If you exercise regularly, you will feel healthier.
a) Exercise regularly. Feel healthier.
b) If you exercise regularly. You will feel healthier.
c) You exercise regularly. You will feel healthier.
d) You feel healthier. Exercise regularly.
37. The shop was closed, so we went somewhere else.
a) The shop was closed. We went somewhere else.
b) Shop was closed. We went somewhere else.
c) The shop was closed and. We went somewhere else.
d) The shop was closed. Because we went somewhere else.
38. He had an important meeting, yet he took the time to call.
a) He had an important meeting. Yet he took the time to call.
b) Important meeting he had. Took time to call.
c) He had a meeting, so he called.
d) The meeting was important. Took the time to call.
39. Since it was raining, they stayed indoors.
a) Raining it was. They stayed indoors.
b) Since it was raining. They stayed indoors.
c) They stayed indoors. Since it was raining.
d) It was raining. They stayed indoors.
40. The music was loud, but it was enjoyable.
a) The music was loud. It was enjoyable.
b) Loud music. Enjoyable it was.
c) The music was loud, and it was enjoyable.
d) The music was loud. And enjoyable.
41. If you eat too much sugar, you may get cavities.
a) You eat too much sugar. You may get cavities.
b) Eat too much sugar. May get cavities.
c) If you eat too much sugar. You may get cavities.
d) You may get cavities if you eat too much sugar.
42. She was running late, so she skipped breakfast.
a) Running late. Skipped breakfast.
b) She was running late. She skipped breakfast.
c) Running late she was. Breakfast skipped.
d) She skipped breakfast. Running late she was.
43. The car broke down, and they had to call for help.
a) The car broke down. They had to call for help.
b) Broke down car. Help was called.
c) The car was broken. Called for help.
d) They called for help. The car broke down.
44. He forgot to set an alarm, so he overslept.
a) Forgot alarm. Overslept.
b) He forgot to set an alarm. He overslept.
c) Forgot to set an alarm. And overslept.
d) Overslept because forgot alarm.
45. The road was slippery, yet he drove carefully.
a) The road was slippery. He drove carefully.
b) Slippery road. Drove carefully.
c) The road was slippery, but he drove carefully.
d) He drove carefully. The road was slippery.
46. The flowers were beautiful, but they had no scent.
a) The flowers were beautiful. However, they had no scent.
b) Beautiful flowers. No scent.
c) The flowers were beautiful and. They had no scent.
d) The flowers were beautiful. But no scent.
47. Although she was afraid, she faced her fears.
a) She was afraid. She faced her fears.
b) Although she was afraid. She faced her fears.
c) Afraid she was. Yet faced fears.
d) She faced her fears. Even though she was afraid.
48. Because the restaurant was full, we had to wait for a table.
a) The restaurant was full. We had to wait for a table.
b) Full restaurant. Waited for a table.
c) The restaurant was full. Because we had to wait for a table.
d) We had to wait for a table because the restaurant was full.
49. He was exhausted, so he went straight to bed.
a) He was exhausted. He went straight to bed.
b) Exhausted he was. Straight to bed.
c) He was exhausted and. He went to bed.
d) He went straight to bed. Because exhausted.
50. She forgot her keys, yet she found a way inside.
a) She forgot her keys. She found a way inside.
b) Forgot her keys. Found a way inside.
c) She forgot her keys and. She found a way inside.
d) She forgot her keys, but she found a way inside.
Answers:
- b) She was very tired. She could not finish her work.
- a) He studied hard. He did not pass the test.
- a) We went to the park. It started raining.
- a) She loves reading. She spends hours in the library.
- b) He is very weak. He cannot lift the box.
- b) Hurry. Otherwise, you will miss the bus.
- a) She cooked dinner. He set the table.
- d) It was very cold. They still went outside.
- a) She studied hard. She passed the exam.
- a) The road was blocked. We took a different route.
- a) He was very hungry. There was no food at home.
- a) She enjoys dancing. She takes ballet classes.
- a) It was getting late. We decided to leave.
- b) She tried her best. She failed the test.
- a) The sun was shining. We went to the beach.
- b) Complete your work. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to go out.
- a) She had a headache. She continued working.
- a) He is very short. He cannot reach the shelf.
- a) The traffic was heavy. We arrived late.
- a) He lost his wallet. He had no money.
- a) The book was interesting. It was very long.
- d) He was tired. He still finished his homework.
- a) The weather was cold. We stayed inside.
- a) She was nervous about the presentation. She spoke confidently.
- d) He is very young. He cannot drive a car.
- a) She was feeling unwell. She decided to rest.
- a) They had planned a picnic. The weather turned bad.
- d) We will take a taxi if the train is late.
- b) She was excited about the trip. She felt nervous.
- a) They had no electricity. They used candles for light.
- a) The book was well-written. It had an interesting plot.
- a) He forgot his umbrella. He got wet in the rain.
- a) She was busy. She helped her friend with the project.
- a) He was late. He missed the first part of the movie.
- a) The cake was delicious. However, it was too sweet for me.
- c) You exercise regularly. You will feel healthier.
- a) The shop was closed. We went somewhere else.
- a) He had an important meeting. Yet he took the time to call.
- d) It was raining. They stayed indoors.
- a) The music was loud. It was enjoyable.
- a) You eat too much sugar. You may get cavities.
- b) She was running late. She skipped breakfast.
- a) The car broke down. They had to call for help.
- b) He forgot to set an alarm. He overslept.
- a) The road was slippery. He drove carefully.
- a) The flowers were beautiful. However, they had no scent.
- d) She faced her fears. Even though she was afraid.
- d) We had to wait for a table because the restaurant was full.
- a) He was exhausted. He went straight to bed.
- a) She forgot her keys. She found a way inside.
Exercise- 1
Convert the following compound sentences into two or more simple sentences:
- The storm raged all night, but the lighthouse stood firm.
- He wanted to buy the car, yet he did not have enough money.
- The artist painted for hours, and the masterpiece was finally complete.
- She missed the bus, so she had to walk to work.
- The team worked tirelessly, for they had a deadline to meet.
- He was offered a promotion, but he declined the opportunity.
- The food was delicious, yet the service was disappointingly slow.
- The roads were slippery, so drivers had to be extra cautious.
- Although he had studied well, he still felt nervous before the test.
- The clock struck midnight, and the guests began to leave.
- You can eat either fish or mutton.
- He can write English, and he can speak it too.
- He was poor, but he was happy.
- John passed the test, and Hanif also passed the test.
- He is intelligent, but he is confused.
- He told lies, and he was punished.
- Roop Singh was honest, but Kedia insulted him.
- It is dark, so I will carry a torch.
- We must not walk in the middle of the road, for it would be fatal.
- Hurry up, or you will miss the train.
- She had always been a brilliant student, yet she struggled with the final exam.
- The explorers reached the peak, but they were too exhausted to celebrate.
- He spoke eloquently, and the audience listened in complete silence.
- The machine malfunctioned, so the engineers worked overnight to fix it.
- Although she was warned about the risks, she proceeded with the experiment.
Answers:
- The storm raged all night. The lighthouse stood firm.
- He wanted to buy the car. He did not have enough money.
- The artist painted for hours. The masterpiece was finally complete.
- She missed the bus. She had to walk to work.
- The team worked tirelessly. They had a deadline to meet.
- He was offered a promotion. He declined the opportunity.
- The food was delicious. The service was disappointingly slow.
- The roads were slippery. Drivers had to be extra cautious.
- He had studied well. He still felt nervous before the test.
- The clock struck midnight. The guests began to leave.
- You can eat fish. You can eat mutton.
- He can write English. He can speak English.
- He was poor. He was happy.
- John passed the test. Hanif also passed the test.
- He is intelligent. However, he is confused.
- He told lies. He was punished.
- Roop Singh was honest. However, Kedia insulted him.
- It is dark. I will carry a torch
- We must not walk in the middle of the road. It would be fatal.
- Hurry up. You will miss the train.
- She had always been a brilliant student. Yet she struggled with the final exam.
- The explorers reached the peak. However, they were too exhausted to celebrate.
- He spoke eloquently. The audience listened in complete silence.
- The machine malfunctioned. The engineers worked overnight to fix it.
- She was warned about the risks. She proceeded with the experiment.
Exercise- 2
Split the following complex and compound sentences:
- As soon as the bell rang, the students rushed out of the classroom.
- She wanted to attend the seminar, but her flight was delayed.
- Since he had no experience, he was not selected for the job.
- He worked hard to achieve his dreams, yet he remained humble.
- Although the weather was terrible, they decided to go on a hike.
- The movie was interesting, but the ending was disappointing.
- Because she missed the deadline, her application was rejected.
- The sun had set, and the sky was filled with stars.
- If you follow the instructions carefully, you will complete the task successfully.
- He was exhausted after the long journey, so he went straight to bed.
- Though he was tired, he continued working on the project.
- The train was delayed, so we had to wait for an hour.
- As the storm grew stronger, the streets started flooding.
- She spoke softly, yet everyone heard her clearly.
- Since he had forgotten his keys, he had to wait outside.
Answers:
- The bell rang. The students rushed out of the classroom.
- She wanted to attend the seminar. However, her flight was delayed.
- He had no experience. He was not selected for the job.
- He worked hard to achieve his dreams. However, he remained humble.
- The weather was terrible. They decided to go on a hike.
- The movie was interesting. However, the ending was disappointing.
- She missed the deadline. Her application was rejected.
- The sun had set. The sky was filled with stars.
- Follow the instructions carefully. You will complete the task successfully.
- He was exhausted after the long journey. He went straight to bed.
- He was tired. He continued working on the project.
- The train was delayed. We had to wait for an hour.
- The storm grew stronger. The streets started flooding.
- She spoke softly. Everyone heard her clearly.
- He had forgotten his keys. He had to wait outside.
Exercise- 3
Split the following simple sentences:
- The power supply being irregular is usual.
- Sarah and Jessie are going swimming.
- The frog jumped and landed in the pond.
- We must follow the safety rules.
- The pizza smells delicious.
- There is a fly in the car with us.
- Look on top of the refrigerator for the key.
- I am out of paper for the printer.
- The wind stopped, and the ship moved on.
- The music is too loud for my ears.
Answers:
- The power supply is irregular. That is usual.
- Sarah is going swimming. Jessie is going swimming.
- The frog jumped. It landed in the pond.
- There are safety rules. We must follow them.
- The pizza smells good. It is delicious.
- There is a fly. It is in the car with us.
- Look on top of the refrigerator. Find the key there.
- I am out of paper. The printer needs paper.
- The wind stopped. The ship moved on.
- The music is too loud. It hurts my ears.
Conclusion
Splitting simple sentences helps in improving clarity and making ideas easy to understand. It allows for better emphasis on the thoughts expressed. By breaking down simple, complex or compound sentences into separate simple sentences, communication becomes clearer and easier to understand. This article thus provides you with a comprehensive guide on splitting sentences correctly, with an explanation of its types, examples, tips and practice questions.
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