What Is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence is made up of at least one independent clause and one dependent clause, connected by a subordinating conjunction. The independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while the dependent clause relies on the independent clause to make sense.
Structure of a Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is formed by combining two types of clauses:
- Main (Independent) Clause
This part of the sentence can stand alone as a complete thought. It expresses a complete idea and does not depend on other parts of the sentence to make sense.
Example: I stayed home. - Subordinate (Dependent) Clause
This part cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for its meaning. It adds extra information to the main clause, but it doesn’t express a complete thought by itself.
Example: Because it was raining. - Subordinating Conjunctions
These words connect the main and subordinate clauses, showing the relationship between them. They include words like because, although, if, when, and while.
Example: I stayed home because it was raining.
Types of Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses can be categorized based on the role they play in a sentence. Here are the main types:
- Adverbial Clauses
These clauses modify the verb in the main clause, providing more details about the action. They can indicate things like:- Time: I will call you when I arrive.
- Condition: You can go out if you finish your homework.
- Reason: She cried because she was upset.
- Concession: He went to work although he was sick.
- Purpose: She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.
- Adjective Clauses
These clauses modify a noun or pronoun in the main clause, providing additional information about it.- Example: The book that you gave me is amazing. (The clause that you gave me describes the book.)
- Noun Clauses
These clauses function as a noun in the sentence, taking the place of a subject, object, or complement.- As a subject: What she said shocked everyone.
- As an object: I didn’t understand what you meant.
- As a complement: The truth is that he lied.
Examples of Complex Sentences
Here are some examples of complex sentences from different contexts:
1. Everyday Life Examples
- I went to the store because I needed milk.
- She stayed home because it was too cold outside.
- He didn’t come to the party although he was invited.
These sentences use dependent clauses to explain reasons, conditions, or contrasts in daily life.
2. Examples from Literature
- He was a great leader, though he often struggled with doubt.
- The storm raged on, even though we had prepared for it.
- She smiled, as if she knew something we didn’t.
In literature, complex sentences often help convey deeper emotions, contrasts, or relationships between ideas.
3. Academic Writing Examples
- The experiment was successful, although the results were not as expected.
- Students often struggle with writing, since they lack sufficient practice.
- The theory has been widely accepted, because it is supported by evidence.
In academic writing, complex sentences are used to express relationships between ideas, causes, and effects in a more detailed and formal manner.
Exercises to Practice Complex Sentences
Here are some simple exercises to help you practice forming and understanding complex sentences:
1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises
Complete the sentences by filling in the blanks with the appropriate subordinating conjunctions and clauses:
- I stayed at home ______ it was raining.
- She didn’t go to the party ______ she had a headache.
- I will finish my homework ______ you arrive.
- We couldn’t play outside ______ it was too dark.
Answer Key:
- because
- because
- when
- because
2. Rearranging Clauses to Form a Complex Sentence
Rearrange the following words to create a complex sentence:
- Example 1: (She / was tired / although / she finished the work)
- Correct Sentence: She finished the work although she was tired.
- Example 2: (he / since / I left / not call / he)
- Correct Sentence: He has not called since I left.
Try rearranging these:
- (you / because / stayed home / it was raining / you)
- (although / we / at the zoo / the weather was cold / enjoyed the trip)
3. Writing Prompts for Practice
Try writing a complex sentence for each of the following prompts:
- Write a sentence that shows a reason for staying at home.
- Write a sentence that shows a condition for going outside.
- Write a sentence that shows contrast between two ideas.
- Write a sentence that explains why you like a particular hobby.
Example Answers:
- I stayed at home because it was too rainy to go outside.
- You can go to the park if you finish your chores.
- She loves swimming, but her brother prefers hiking.
- I love reading books, because they take me to different worlds.