Complex Sentences
Basics on the topic Complex Sentences
Complex Sentence – Definition
What is a complex sentence? A complex sentence contains a dependent clause and an independent clause. See example:
| independent clause | dependent clause |
|---|---|
| Jimmy finished reading the book | while he was waiting for a bus. |
What is the difference between an independent and a dependent clause?
- An independent clause is a clause that can be a sentence on its own. It expresses a complete thought.
- A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. It doesn’t convey a complete thought, and it is usually used to add an additional piece of information to the independent clause.
Complex Sentences – Examples
To better understand the complex sentence structure, let’s have a look at this example of a complex sentence:
There are two clauses in this complex sentence example - an independent clause (”She wore a hat and gloves”) and a dependent clause (”because it was cold”). Do you see the difference? The dependent clause because it was cold cannot be a sentence on its own. Though, it provides additional information by telling us why she wore a hat and gloves. Note: a dependent clause in a complex sentence can be also called a subordinate clause. Let’s practice with another example! Which of the following is a complex sentence?
- Jack had a wonderful morning today.
- Sarah called her best friend after she finished homework.
- They were tired after a long walk in the park next to their house.
So which statement is an example of a complex sentence? It is sentence number 2! Why is this a complex sentence? Because it has an independent clause (Sarah called her best friend) and a dependent clause (after she finished her homework).
| independent clause | dependent clause |
|---|---|
| Sarah called her best friend | after she finished her homework. |
| can be a sentence on its own | cannot stand alone as a sentence |
| expresses a complete thought | doesn’t express a complete thought, but adds a piece of information to the independent clause |
Complex Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions
Now you can recognize a complex sentence. But how to make a complex sentence? There are different complex sentence types, but usually we make a complex sentence using a subordinating conjunction.Let’s find out what subordinating conjunctions are.
Subordinating conjunctions are words that link dependent clauses to independent clauses. They help us to build complex sentences.
Dependent clauses usually start with a subordinating conjunction. There are plenty of subordinating conjunctions, but here are the most common ones:
- after
- before
- because
- although
- when
- since
- whenever
- unless
- while
- so
- until
- as
Let’s come back to our first example. Can you find a subordinating conjunction?
Because is a subordinating conjunction. It comes at the beginning of the dependent clause and unites two clauses together in a complex sentence.Here are more examples of complex sentences with subordinating conjunctions:
| independent clause | subordinating conjunction | dependent clause |
|---|---|---|
| I won't win the competition | unless | I practice every day. |
| Mary’s dog barks | whenever | I walk by her house. |
| You should call your parents | after | you finish your lunch. |
Complex Sentence Structures
Complex sentences can be written either with a dependent or an independent clause first.
Have a look at these two sentences:
If a dependent clause comes first, we use a comma before an independent clause. In the sentence above, a comma stands before Mom brings me my lunch, which is an independent clause.
Complex Sentence – Summary
Let’s review what we learned about complex sentences and subordinating conjunctions in this text.
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains an independent clause and a dependent clause. An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can be a meaningful sentence on its own. A dependent clause cannot be a full sentence, as it doesn’t express a complete thought. It usually provides extra information about the events described in an independent clause. A dependent clause usually starts with a subordinating conjunction. Subordinating conjunctions are special “complex sentence words” that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Complex sentences can be written with both dependent and independent clauses first. When a dependent clause is first, we use a comma after it.
Now you know more about complex sentences. Want more practice? Watch our video, and use our complex sentence worksheets! Did you enjoy our article about complex sentences? Complex sentences are one of the three types of sentences in English. You can learn more about other types and the differences between them on this platform. Check out the video on compound sentences to find out more!
Frequently Asked Questions about Complex Sentences
Transcript Complex Sentences
Koko and Pip are on let's make a sentence! To win a lifetime of art supplies, they need to create complex sentences. A complex sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause. An independent clause is a complete thought, so it can be a sentence on its own. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence because it doesn't express a complete thought; it usually provides more information. Here we have the sentence, she wore a hat and gloves because it was cold. In this example, she wore a hat and gloves is an independent clause. In this example, because it was cold is a dependent clause. The dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction, which links dependent clauses to independent clauses! Dependent clauses usually begin with a subordinating conjunction, such as after, before, because, although, when, since, whenever, unless, while, so, and many more! Complex sentences can be written with the independent clause first, like this one. However, you can write complex sentences with the dependent clause first! This sentence can be rewritten as, because it was cold, she wore a hat and gloves. When the dependent clause is first, we use a comma before the independent clause. Koko and Pip have been given two clauses, and need to identify the correct clauses to win the art supplies! Let's join in! The clauses are; before she goes shopping and Mom brings me my lunch. First, identify the subordinating conjunction. Now we can identify the clauses: which is the independent clause, and which is the dependent clause? Mom brings me my lunch is a complete thought, so it is the independent clause. Before she goes shopping is not a complete thought because it starts with a subordinating conjunction, so it is the dependent clause. How could Koko and Pip rewrite this sentence with the dependent clause first? They can rewrite it as; before she goes shopping, Mom brings me my lunch. While Koko and Pip see if they have won the lifetime of art supplies, let's review! Remember, complex sentences contain an independent clause and a dependent clause. Independent clauses can stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses usually begin with a subordinating conjunction. You can write complex sentences with the independent clause first, or with the dependent clause first. "I thought we would get the lifetime of art supplies delivered monthly, Pip... Not all at once!"
Complex Sentences exercise
-
What does a complex sentence contain?
HintsA complex sentence contains two parts.
There are two correct answers.
SolutionA complex sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause.
-
What are the characteristics of dependent and independent clauses?
HintsIt was raining outside so we had to stay at home.
The bolded part of this sentence is the dependent clause.
You have to finish your homework before watching TV.
The bolded part of this sentence is the independent clause.
SolutionA complex sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause.
-
Can you identify the dependent and independent clauses in these sentences?
HintsAn independent clause is a sentence on its own.
Dependent clauses usually begin with a subordinating conjunction, such as after, before, because, although, when, since, whenever, unless, while, so, and many more!
SolutionComplex sentences can be written with the independent clause or dependent clause first. When the dependent clause is first, we use a comma before the independent clause.
-
Identify the missing subordinating conjunctions.
HintsSo means and for this reason.
While means at the same time as.
Although means in spite of.
SolutionHere are the correct answers:
- They were running to catch the bus because they were late.
- They were watching TV while the dinner was cooking.
- They prepared their bags before breakfast.
- Although it was raining, Tom took the dog for a walk.
- Briana lost her pencils so she had to buy new ones.
-
Can you match the clauses of these complex sentences?
HintsDependent clauses can introduce reasons for or consequences of actions.
Why might someone be late for school?
What happened at the same time they were reading?
SolutionHere are the correct answers:
- He was late for school because he missed his bus.
- Although he was full, he ate another slice of pizza.
- There was no one in the hallway so she knocked on the door.
- While they were reading, they received an email.
-
Can you identify the elements in the sentences?
HintsA subordinating conjunction links dependent clauses to independent clauses.
Dependent clauses usually begin with a subordinating conjunction, such as after, before, although, when, since, unless, while, and many more.
SolutionDependent clauses cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses usually begin with a subordinating conjunction.
Here we can see the independent clauses in purple and the dependent clauses in blue. The conjunctions are in green.
