Choose the option that changes the given sentence into a simple sentence without changing its meaning:
As Dadi was busy in the kitchen, she did not hear the doorbell.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Being busy in the kitchen, Dadi did not hear the doorbell.
Changing a complex sentence into a simple sentence:
- The given sentence has a reason part, “As Dadi was busy in the kitchen”, and a main part. A simple sentence has only one main verb.
- The reason part becomes a phrase with Being: “Being busy in the kitchen”. The subject “Dadi” moves to the main part, and the phrase belongs to her.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Because Dadi was busy in the kitchen, she did not hear the doorbell. — Incorrect. This is a complex sentence, not a simple one. It still has two parts, each with its own verb, joined by “because”.
Option 3: Being busy in the kitchen, the doorbell was not heard by Dadi. — Incorrect. The opening “Being busy in the kitchen” must belong to the subject. Here the subject is “the doorbell”, so it says that the doorbell was busy in the kitchen.
Option 4: Though busy in the kitchen, Dadi did not hear the doorbell. — Incorrect. This changes the meaning. “Though” shows a contrast, but the given sentence gives a reason: Dadi did not hear the bell because she was busy.