Mastering the Essentials of English Grammar - Understanding Complex Sentences

Understanding Complex Sentences 

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. The independent clause expresses a complete thought, while the dependent clause adds additional information and cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.



Characteristics of Complex Sentences:

  1. One Independent Clause: Contains a main clause that can stand alone.
  2. One or More Dependent Clauses: Includes additional clauses that provide more detail but cannot stand alone.
  3. Subordinating Conjunctions: Dependent clauses are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as "because," "although," "if," "when," "since," "while," "unless," and "after."

Structure:

  1. Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause:

    • Example: "I will go to the store if it stops raining."

  2. Dependent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause:

    • Example: "If it stops raining, I will go to the store."

Examples of Complex Sentences:

  1. She stayed home because she was feeling sick.

    • Independent Clause: "She stayed home"
    • Dependent Clause: "because she was feeling sick"
    • Subordinating Conjunction: because

  2. Although it was raining, they decided to go for a hike.

    • Independent Clause: "they decided to go for a hike"
    • Dependent Clause: "Although it was raining"
    • Subordinating Conjunction: Although

  3. I will call you when I arrive at the airport.

    • Independent Clause: "I will call you"
    • Dependent Clause: "when I arrive at the airport"
    • Subordinating Conjunction: when

  4. She took a nap after she finished her homework.

    • Independent Clause: "She took a nap"
    • Dependent Clause: "after she finished her homework"
    • Subordinating Conjunction: after

  5. Because I was late, I missed the beginning of the movie.

    • Independent Clause: "I missed the beginning of the movie"
    • Dependent Clause: "Because I was late"
    • Subordinating Conjunction: because

  6. If you study hard, you will pass the exam.

    • Independent Clause: "you will pass the exam"
    • Dependent Clause: "If you study hard"
    • Subordinating Conjunction: If

  7. She was excited when she received the invitation.

    • Independent Clause: "She was excited"
    • Dependent Clause: "when she received the invitation"
    • Subordinating Conjunction: when

  8. While I was cooking dinner, my friend called me.

    • Independent Clause: "my friend called me"
    • Dependent Clause: "While I was cooking dinner"
    • Subordinating Conjunction: While

  9. He didn’t go to the party because he was feeling unwell.

    • Independent Clause: "He didn’t go to the party"
    • Dependent Clause: "because he was feeling unwell"
    • Subordinating Conjunction: because

  10. Unless it gets too late, we should be able to finish the project tonight.

    • Independent Clause: "we should be able to finish the project tonight"
    • Dependent Clause: "Unless it gets too late"
    • Subordinating Conjunction: Unless

Key Points to Remember:

  1. Punctuation:

    • Use a comma to separate the independent clause from the dependent clause when the dependent clause comes first.
    • Example: "When it starts snowing, we will go inside."
    • No comma is needed if the independent clause comes first.
    • Example: "We will go inside when it starts snowing."

  2. Subordinating Conjunctions:

    • These words help to indicate the relationship between the independent and dependent clauses.
    • Examples: "because," "although," "if," "when," "while," "after," "since"

  3. Complexity and Clarity:

    • Complex sentences allow for more detailed and nuanced expression, but it’s important to ensure that the sentences remain clear and easy to understand.

  4. Avoiding Run-On Sentences:

    • Properly use subordinating conjunctions to connect clauses and avoid creating run-on sentences.

Complex sentences are valuable for conveying detailed information and showing the relationships between different ideas. They add depth to writing and help to express more complex thoughts and connections.

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