Which of the following is a simple sentence ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 2, "He gave a sterling performance in his debut itself," is a simple sentence because it contains only one independent clause. An independent clause has a subject ("He") and a verb ("gave") and expresses a complete thought. There are no coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, or relative pronouns that would link it to another clause.

Here's why the other options are incorrect:

*   **Option 1: "I was surprised when I heard his dismissal."** This is a complex sentence. It contains one independent clause ("I was surprised") and one dependent clause ("when I heard his dismissal"). The dependent clause is introduced by the subordinating conjunction "when."

*   **Option 3: "As I was busy, I could not meet them."** This is also a complex sentence. It has one independent clause ("I could not meet them") and one dependent clause ("As I was busy"). The dependent clause is introduced by the subordinating conjunction "As."

*   **Option 4: "The doctor took all precautions still his condition deteriorated."** This is a compound sentence. It contains two independent clauses ("The doctor took all precautions" and "his condition deteriorated") joined by the coordinating conjunction "still" (used here as a conjunctive adverb).