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What Are Complex Sentences?
A complex sentence is a sentence that has a main clause and one or more finite dependent clauses attached to it.
Main vs. Dependent Clauses
Main clauses are independent and determine the tense and the subject of the whole sentence and can form a sentence on their own, but dependent clauses cannot stand alone, even though they have a subject and a verb; they are connected to the main clause and form part of the complex sentence.
when I arrived at the airport → dependent clause
I was a happy kid. → independent clause
How to Identify a Complex Sentence?
To identify a complex sentence you can look for a finite dependent clause, that is, a subordinate clause, a that-clause, or a relative clause which is connected to a main clause using a subordinating conjunction, a relative pronouns or relative adverbs, or "that".
Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions which are words that are used to link a dependent clause to its main clause. These clauses act as adverbs. The most common subordinating conjunctions are:
Even though he is 31, he still acts like a little child.
Michael studied law because he wanted to become a lawyer.
Joining Clauses Together
When a subordinate clause joins a main clause to form a complex sentence, the sentence can have two structures:
the main clause comes first:
I was snippy with him because I was running late for work.
the subordinate clause comes first:
Because I was running late for work, I was snippy with him.
As you can see in the examples, if the subordinate clause comes first, the clauses are separated using a comma. However, if the main clause comes first, there is no need for a comma.
That-clauses
That-clauses are also finite dependent clauses that function as noun and can act as subjects, objects, or complements for the main clause to form complex sentences. Look at the following examples:
I know that you are busy.
"that you are busy" acts as the object of the main clause
The truth is that we lost the game.
"that we lost the game" acts as a complement for the main clause
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses can also be embedded into a main clause to form a complex sentence. These clauses are introduced by relative pronouns or adverbs and act as adjectives for nouns in the main clause. Here are some examples:
I saw a dog that was chasing a ball.
"that was chasing a ball" is a relative clause which is independent and modifies the noun "dog".
The woman who lives next door is my teacher.
Here, "The woman is my teacher" is the main clause and "who lives next door" is a dependent clause embedded into the main clause.
Nominal Relative Clauses
Nominal relative clauses are also introduced by relative pronouns or adverbs, but they function as nouns in sentences. These clauses act as the subjects, objects, or complements of the main clause in complex sentences. Here are some examples:
What you said makes sense.
Here, "what you said" acts as the subject of the main clause.
I don’t understand what she wants.
In this sentence, the nominal relative clause "what she wants" acts as the objects of the main clause "I don't udnerstand".
Conditional Sentences
One of the most common types of complex sentences are conditional sentences. These sentences talk about hypothetical situations, often using 'if' or 'unless' as condition markers.
If you want to be a successful businessman, you have to understand the language of trade.
The baby won't go to sleep unless I tell him a bedtime story.
Compound Sentence vs. Complex Sentence
Complex sentences are similar to compound sentences, with only one difference: compound sentences have two independent clauses, but complex sentences have one independent and one or more dependent clauses.
Review
'Complex sentences' are formed using a finite dependent clause attached to a main clause. The only difference between compound and complex clauses is that compound clauses are made up of two independent clauses.
Here are some examples of complex sentences.
Although I am not good at it, I enjoyed playing basketball with John.
Since she left me, I decided to raise our child on my own.
Quiz:
Which of the following sentences is an example of a complex sentence?
I went to the store, and I bought some milk.
Even though she was tired, she finished the project.
The dog ran quickly up the stairs.
He enjoys reading books with unexpected twists.
Sort the words to form a complex sentence.
Complete the table by identifying the type of dependent clause in each complex sentence.
| Sentence | Dependent Clause Type |
|---|---|
Since it was raining, we stayed indoors. | |
I believe that he will come on time. | |
The cake that she baked was delicious. | |
Whoever arrives first will get a prize. | |
If you study hard, you will pass the test. | |
The phone that I lost was brand new. | |
Before he left, he said goodbye to everyone. |
Match the sentence parts to form complex sentences.
Fill the blanks with a subordinate clause, relative pronoun or adverb, or "that" to complete the sentences. (There is one extra option.)
I stayed home
I was feeling unwell.
I will call you
I finish my homework.
The truth is
we need to work harder.
The teacher
taught me in high school is now retired.
you apologize, she won’t forgive you.
The reason
he left the party early is still unknown.
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