Would these be considered simple sentences?

Question

1. I often think of that when I hear people say that they haven't time to read.

2.we're being sole the idea that information is learning, and we're being sold a bill of goods.

3.It isn't wisdom.

Thanks in advance.

Snuppelina · Accepted Answer

The first two ones are not; the last one is.

RandomGuy · Answer

The first one is a complex sentence, containing one independent clause and two dependent clauses (at least one is needed to form a complex sentence); #2 is a compound-complex sentence, composed of two independent clauses and one dependent clause; and #3 is a simple sentence, expressing one complete thought and nothing else.

I often think of that when I hear people say | that they haven't time to read.
We're being sold the idea that information is learning, and we're being sold a bill of goods.
It isn't wisdom.

BillJ · Answer

The traditional definition of a simple sentence is one that consists of just one clause:

[1] John likes his job very much.
[2] Lisa seems quite friendly.
[3] It isn't wisdom.

Notice that in [1] and [2] there is only one verb, a sure sign that the sentence has only one clause and hence is a simple sentence. Likewise in [3], your example, there is only one verb, so that too is a simple sentence.

[4] I often think of that [when I hear people say [that they haven't time to read]].
[5] We're being sold the idea [that information is learning], and we're being sold a bill of goods.

In [4] the sentence contains two embedded subordinate clauses (bracketed), so it is not a simple sentence, but a complex one. Example [5] comprises two coordinated clauses joined by and, and the first coordinate contains an embedded subordinate clause (bracketed). So this cannot be a simple sentence either - traditionally, it is called a compound-complex sentence.

BillJ

RandomGuy · Answer

BillJ[5] We're being sold the idea [that information is learning], and we're being sold a bill of goods.

Ah! That that clause escaped my eye, somehow. I should really take the the time to review my answers and the examples more thoroughly.

Would these be considered simple sentences?

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