Synthesis
Complete Guide for ESL Students
Master Sentence Transformation & Combination Techniques
What is Synthesis?
Understanding the Art of Combining Sentences
SYNTHESIS = Combining 2 or More Simple Sentences into ONE Sentence
Synthesis is the process by which two or more simple sentences are combined to form a Simple, Complex, or Compound Sentence.
Example of Synthesis
Original Simple Sentences:
- • You work hard.
- • You will pass.
Combined Forms:
Three Types of Sentence Structures
Simple Sentence
One independent clause
Example: He works hard.
Complex Sentence
One independent + subordinate clause(s)
Example: If he works hard, he will succeed.
Compound Sentence
Two or more independent clauses
Example: He works hard and he succeeds.
Simple to Simple Sentence
9 Methods to Combine Simple Sentences into One
Learn how to transform multiple simple sentences into a single simple sentence using these nine powerful methods:
1 Using a Participle
A participle is a word that is partly a verb and partly an adjective. It modifies the subject.
A. Present Participle (V + ing)
Used when actions occur simultaneously or the second action follows immediately after the first.
V + ing + Object, Subject + Verb + Object
Example:
✓ The servant heard the noise.
✓ The servant went into the room.
→
Hearing the noise, the servant went into the room.
💡 Passive Form: When the subject is passive, use Being + V3
Example: Being tired of play, she sat down to rest.
B. Past Participle
This is the III form of the main verb and functions as an adjective.
Subject + Verb + V3 + Noun
Example:
✓ I found my book yesterday.
✓ The book was lost.
→
Yesterday I found my lost book.
C. Perfect Participle
Formed using Having + V3. Used when there’s a clear time gap between two actions.
Having + V3 + Object, Subject + Verb
Example:
✓ I finished my dinner.
✓ I went to sleep.
→
Having finished my dinner, I went to sleep.
💡 Passive Form: Use Having been + V3 for passive structures
Example: Having been punished, he started crying.
2 Using an Infinitive
An Infinitive is formed by placing ‘to’ before the V1 form of the verb. Used to express purpose or result.
Subject + Verb + Object + to + V1
Example:
✓ The teacher took a stick.
✓ He wanted to beat the boy.
→
The teacher took a stick to beat the boy.
⚠️ Note: The infinitive shows the purpose or intention of the main action.
3 Using a Gerund
A Gerund is formed by adding -ing to the main verb. It functions as a noun or adjective.
Subject + Verb + V + ing + Object
Example:
✓ I like hockey.
✓ I play hockey.
→
I like playing hockey.
4 Using the Conjunction ‘and’
Connect predicates or subjects using ‘and’ when they share common elements.
Same Subject
Connect the predicates
✓ Ram beat a dog.
✓ Ram beat a cat.
→
Ram beat a dog and a cat.
Different Subjects
Connect the subjects
✓ Meera sang a song.
✓ Madhu sang a song.
→
Meera and Madhu sang a song.
5 Using a Preposition
Join sentences using prepositions placed before a Noun or Gerund.
Common Prepositions:
With Noun:
✓ He has faced many difficulties.
✓ Still he is not discouraged.
→
In spite of many difficulties, he is not discouraged.
With Gerund:
✓ India became free in 1947.
✓ India has been making rapid progress.
→
India has been making rapid progress after becoming free in 1947.
6 Phrase in Apposition
Apposition means ‘placing side by side’. A phrase in apposition places a word next to another to explain or qualify it.
Example:
✓ Tagore was a famous poet.
✓ He was the author of the Gitanjali.
→
Tagore, a famous poet, was the author of the Gitanjali.
💡 Structure: Subject, [additional explanation], Verb + Object
The phrase in apposition is set off by commas.
7 Nominative Absolute
Used when two sentences have different subjects. The first subject becomes the Nominative Absolute followed by a participle.
Subject₁ + Participle, Subject₂ + Verb
Example:
✓ The sun rose.
✓ The fog disappeared.
→
The sun having risen, the fog disappeared.
⚠️ Remember: Use this method only when subjects are different. The nominative absolute is separated by a comma.
8 Adverbs or Adverbial Phrase
Used when one sentence modifies the verb, adjective, or adverb of the other.
Example:
✓ He went to the station.
✓ He went in a hurry.
→
He went to the station hurriedly.
9 Adjective or Adjective Phrase
Used when one sentence contains an adjective that qualifies the noun or pronoun in the other sentence.
Example:
✓ I met a girl yesterday.
✓ She was very pretty.
→
I met a very pretty girl yesterday.
Quick Reference: 9 Methods
| No. | Method | Key Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Present Participle | V + ing | Hearing the noise, he ran. |
| 2 | Past Participle | V3 | I found my lost book. |
| 3 | Perfect Participle | Having + V3 | Having finished, I left. |
| 4 | Infinitive | to + V1 | He came to help me. |
| 5 | Gerund | V + ing | I enjoy playing cricket. |
| 6 | Conjunction ‘and’ | and | Ram and Sita came. |
| 7 | Preposition | Prep + Noun/Gerund | In spite of rain, we played. |
| 8 | Apposition | , phrase , | Gandhi, a leader, fought. |
| 9 | Nominative Absolute | Subj + Participle, | The sun having set, we left. |
🔍 Understanding Participles: When to Use Which?
Participles are the most confusing part of Synthesis. Here’s how to choose:
| Participle Type | When to Use | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present Participle (V+ing) |
✓ Actions happen AT THE SAME TIME ✓ Second action follows IMMEDIATELY |
V+ing, Subject + Verb |
Hearing the bell, he ran. (heard → ran immediately) |
| Perfect Participle (Having + V3) |
✓ First action COMPLETELY FINISHED ✓ Clear TIME GAP between actions |
Having + V3, Subject + Verb |
Having finished work, she left. (finished THEN left) |
| Past Participle (V3) |
✓ Used as ADJECTIVE only ✓ Describes a noun |
V3 + Noun |
I found my lost book. (adjective describing book) |
| Being + V3 (Passive) |
✓ Subject is PASSIVE/receiving action ✓ Shows state or condition |
Being + V3, Subject + Verb |
Being tired, she rested. (she IS tired – passive state) |
🎯 Quick Decision Guide: Choosing the Right Method
❓ Do both sentences have the SAME subject?
✓ YES: Use Participle, Infinitive, Gerund, Adjective, or Adverb
✗ NO: Use Nominative Absolute, Conjunction ‘and’, or Apposition
❓ Is there a TIME GAP between actions?
✓ YES (gap): Use Perfect Participle (Having + V3)
? NO (simultaneous): Use Present Participle (V+ing)
❓ Does one sentence show PURPOSE?
✓ YES: Use Infinitive (to + V1)
Example: “He went to buy milk” → went (why?) to buy
❓ Does one sentence DESCRIBE a noun?
✓ YES: Use Adjective or Past Participle (V3)
Example: “The girl was beautiful” → “a beautiful girl”
❓ Do sentences show CONTRAST?
✓ For Simple: Use “in spite of” + Noun
✓ For Compound: Use “but” (Adversative)
❓ Do sentences show CAUSE → RESULT?
✓ For Compound: Use “therefore” / “so” (Illative)
✓ For Complex: Use “because” / “since”
Simple to Complex Sentence
Using Subordinate Clauses to Create Complex Sentences
A Complex Sentence consists of a Principal Clause and one or more Subordinate Clauses. Combine using subordinate conjunctions.
Noun Clause
Adjective Clause
Adverb Clause
1 Noun Clause
A Noun Clause functions as a noun within the main sentence.
Common Conjunctions:
Example:
✓ You are a thief.
✓ It is known to all.
→
That you are a thief is known to all.
2 Adjective Clause
An Adjective Clause modifies a noun or pronoun in the Principal Clause.
Relative Pronouns & Adverbs:
Example:
✓ I saw a dog.
✓ The dog was lying on the road.
→
I saw a dog which was lying on the road.
3 Adverb Clause
An Adverb Clause modifies the verb of the Principal Clause and expresses relationships.
Types of Relationships:
Example (Time):
✓ I waited for Ram Gopal.
✓ Ram Gopal arrived.
→
I waited for Ram Gopal till he arrived.
Simple to Compound Sentence
Using Co-ordinating Conjunctions
A Compound Sentence combines two simple sentences using Co-ordinating Conjunctions. There are four types:
A Cumulative Conjunctions
Join one idea to another, adding statements or facts together.
Common Conjunctions:
Example:
✓ Ram is hardworking.
✓ Ram is honest.
→
Ram is both hardworking and honest.
B Alternative Conjunctions
Used when there is a choice between two things.
Common Conjunctions:
Example:
✓ Ram may go to Jaipur.
✓ Mohan may go to Jaipur.
→
Either Ram or Mohan may go to Jaipur.
C Adversative Conjunctions
Join two contradictory statements or show contrast.
Common Conjunctions:
Example:
✓ He is poor.
✓ He is honest.
→
He is poor yet he is honest.
D Illative Conjunctions
Connect two facts where one is proven from the other, indicating cause and result.
Common Conjunctions:
Example:
✓ He did not work hard.
✓ He failed in the examination.
→
He did not work hard, therefore he failed in the examination.
Quick Reference: Co-ordinating Conjunctions
| Type | Purpose | Conjunctions | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative | Add ideas | and, both…and, not only…but also | She sings and dances. |
| Alternative | Show choice | or, either…or, neither…nor | Study hard or fail. |
| Adversative | Show contrast | but, yet, still, however | He’s poor but happy. |
| Illative | Show result | therefore, so, thus, hence | He worked, so he passed. |
Practice Exercises
Test Your Synthesis Skills
Exercise 1: Transform to Simple Sentences
Combine the following simple sentences into one simple sentence using the method indicated.
- 1. She heard the bell. She came running. (Present Participle)
- 2. I bought a watch. The watch was stolen. (Past Participle)
- 3. He completed his homework. He went to play. (Perfect Participle)
- 4. He went to the market. He wanted to buy vegetables. (Infinitive)
- 5. He faced many problems. He did not give up. (Preposition)
Exercise 2: Transform to Complex Sentences
Combine into complex sentences using appropriate subordinate clauses.
- 1. He is guilty. Everyone knows this.
- 2. I met a man. He was very tall.
- 3. Work hard. You will succeed.
- 4. She came. I had already left.
- 5. He ran fast. He wanted to catch the train.
Exercise 3: Transform to Compound Sentences
Combine using appropriate co-ordinating conjunctions.
- 1. She is intelligent. She is hardworking.
- 2. You may go. You may stay.
- 3. He is rich. He is unhappy.
- 4. She studied well. She passed the exam.
- 5. He did not practice. He could not win.
Answer Keys with Step-by-Step Solutions
Exercise 1: Simple Sentences – Answers
1. Hearing the bell, she came running.
Step 1: Identify – both actions happened simultaneously (heard → came immediately)
Step 2: Use Present Participle formula: V+ing + Object, Subject + Verb
Step 3: Convert “heard” → “Hearing”
✓ Why this works: The bell ringing and her coming happened at the same time.
2. I bought a stolen watch.
Step 1: Identify – “stolen” is describing the watch (adjective)
Step 2: Use Past Participle (V3) as adjective
Step 3: Place “stolen” before “watch”
✓ Why this works: V3 form “stolen” acts as an adjective qualifying “watch”.
3. Having completed his homework, he went to play.
Step 1: Identify – homework was FINISHED FIRST, then he went to play (time gap)
Step 2: Use Perfect Participle formula: Having + V3, Subject + Verb
Step 3: “completed” is already V3, add “Having”
✓ Why this works: Shows completion of first action before second begins.
4. He went to the market to buy vegetables.
Step 1: Identify – second sentence shows PURPOSE (why did he go?)
Step 2: Use Infinitive formula: Subject + Verb + to + V1
Step 3: Add “to buy vegetables” to show purpose
✓ Why this works: Infinitive (to + V1) expresses purpose or intention.
5. In spite of many problems, he did not give up.
Step 1: Identify – CONTRAST (problems vs. not giving up)
Step 2: Use Preposition “in spite of” + Noun phrase
Step 3: “many problems” becomes object of preposition
✓ Why this works: “In spite of” shows contrast while maintaining Simple structure.
Exercise 2: Complex Sentences – Answers
1. That he is guilty is known to everyone.
Method: Noun Clause using “that”
Analysis: “That he is guilty” = Noun Clause (acts as subject of main clause)
Alternative: Everyone knows that he is guilty.
2. I met a man who was very tall.
Method: Adjective Clause using “who”
Analysis: “who was very tall” = Adjective Clause (modifies “man”)
Note: “who” is used for people, “which” for things.
3. If you work hard, you will succeed.
Method: Adverb Clause of Condition using “if”
Analysis: “If you work hard” = Adverb Clause (shows condition for success)
Pattern: Condition + Result = Complex Sentence
4. When she came, I had already left.
Method: Adverb Clause of Time using “when”
Analysis: “When she came” = Adverb Clause (shows time relationship)
Note: Past Perfect (had left) shows action completed before “when” clause.
5. He ran fast so that he could catch the train.
Method: Adverb Clause of Purpose using “so that”
Analysis: “so that he could catch the train” = Adverb Clause (shows purpose)
Alternative: He ran fast in order to catch the train. (using infinitive)
Exercise 3: Compound Sentences – Answers
1. She is both intelligent and hardworking.
Conjunction Type: Cumulative (both…and)
Why: Adds two positive qualities together
Alternative: She is intelligent as well as hardworking.
2. You may either go or stay.
Conjunction Type: Alternative (either…or)
Why: Shows CHOICE between two options
Note: Only ONE action will happen, not both.
3. He is rich but unhappy.
Conjunction Type: Adversative (but)
Why: Shows CONTRAST – usually rich people are happy, but not here
Alternative: He is rich yet unhappy / He is rich, however, he is unhappy.
4. She studied well, therefore she passed the exam.
Conjunction Type: Illative (therefore)
Why: Shows CAUSE → RESULT relationship
Alternative: She studied well, so she passed the exam.
5. He did not practice, therefore he could not win.
Conjunction Type: Illative (therefore)
Why: Not practicing (cause) → not winning (result)
Pattern: Negative cause leads to negative result.
Advanced Quiz Challenge
Test Your Synthesis Mastery – 25 Questions
💡 Hint:
📖 Explanation:
Quiz Complete!
Your Score:
Exam Tips & Common Errors
Master These for Exam Success
🎯 Quick Exam Strategies
Do’s for Synthesis
- ✓ Identify the type of transformation required
- ✓ Look for common subjects or predicates
- ✓ Check tense consistency
- ✓ Use appropriate conjunctions
- ✓ Maintain the meaning of original sentences
- ✓ Use commas correctly
Don’ts for Synthesis
- ✗ Don’t change the meaning
- ✗ Don’t mix up participle types
- ✗ Don’t forget commas in nominative absolute
- ✗ Don’t use wrong conjunction types
- ✗ Don’t ignore subject agreement
- ✗ Don’t add extra information
⚠️ Common Errors to Avoid
❌ Error 1: Wrong Participle Type
Wrong: Having hear the news, he fainted.
Correct: Having heard the news, he fainted.
Use Perfect Participle (Having + V3) for time gap.
❌ Error 2: Missing Comma in Nominative Absolute
Wrong: The sun having risen the fog disappeared.
Correct: The sun having risen, the fog disappeared.
Always use comma after nominative absolute.
❌ Error 3: Wrong Conjunction Type
Wrong: He is poor and he is honest. (for contrast)
Correct: He is poor but he is honest.
Use adversative conjunctions for contrast.
Essential Checklist for 2 Marks
- ✅ Master all 9 methods for Simple to Simple
- ✅ Know when to use each type of participle
- ✅ Remember the 4 types of co-ordinating conjunctions
- ✅ Practice identifying sentence types
- ✅ Understand nominative absolute for different subjects
- ✅ Learn common preposition + gerund combinations