Complex Sentences

Introduction

The ability to construct complex sentences is a key aspect of advanced writing. Complex sentences not only enrich the text but also provide clarity and depth. They make the content more engaging and sophisticated.

Understanding and using complex sentence examples effectively can transform your writing. It makes it more professional and polished.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding how complex sentences are constructed and used.

Before exploring complex sentences, let’s first review the four types of sentences in English!

Overview of Sentence Types

Now, let’s explore the complex sentences in more detail.

Complex Sentences in English

Understanding Complex Sentences

The structure of a complex sentence allows for the inclusion of additional information without losing the main point of the sentence, thereby adding depth and detail to your writing.

Here is an example of a complex sentence:

• Linda’s husband, who works in an oil company in Saudi Arabia, likes race cars.

The dependent clause “who works in an oil company in Saudi Arabia” cannot stand alone. It makes sense only when joined with the independent clause “Linda’s husband likes cars“.

Notice that the dependent clause starts with the relative pronoun “who“.

Components of a Complex Sentence

To fully grasp complex sentences, it’s important to understand their core components. These include independent clauses, dependent clauses, subordinating conjunctions, and relative pronouns.

A. Independent and Dependent Clauses

1. Independent Clauses:

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. It contains both a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Example:

• She completed her homework.

2. Dependent Clauses:

A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It also contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It depends on the main clause to give it meaning.

Example:

• Although she was tired

3. Combining Dependent and Independent Clauses:

When combined, the independent and dependent clauses form a complex sentence:

Example:

• Although she was tired, she completed her homework.

B. Using Subordinating Conjunctions or Relative Pronouns

1. Subordinating Conjunctions:

Subordinating conjunctions are words that link dependent clauses to independent clauses, providing a relationship between the two. Common subordinating conjunctions include words like “although,” “because,” “since,” “unless,” and “while.”

Here is a comprehensive list of subordinating conjunctions:

• After: He went home after he finished his work.
• Although: Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
• As: She sang as she cleaned the house.
• As if: He acts as if he knows everything.
• As long as: You can stay out as long as you are home by midnight.
• As much as: He enjoys football as much as his brother does.
• As soon as: Call me as soon as you arrive.
• As though: He looked as though he had seen a ghost.
• Because: She left early because she had a meeting.
• Before: We should finish this before the deadline.
• By the time: By the time we arrived, the party was over.
• Even if: Even if it rains, we will go hiking.
• Even though: Even though she was tired, she finished her homework.
• If: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
• If only: If only he had listened to me.
• In case: Take an umbrella in case it rains.
• In order that: She worked hard in order that she could afford the car.
• Now that: Now that you mention it, I remember.
• Once: Once you finish, you can leave.
• Provided that: You can go out provided that you finish your homework.
• Since: Since it’s raining, we’ll stay inside.
• So that: He saved money so that he could buy a car.
• Than: She is taller than her brother.
• Though: Though it was cold, we went swimming.
• Unless: You can’t leave unless I say so.
• Until: We waited until the rain stopped.
• When: Call me when you get home.
• Whenever: You can visit whenever you like.
• Where: We’ll go where the sun is shining.
• Wherever: Wherever you go, I will follow.
• Whether: She will decide whether to stay or leave.
• While: I read a book while she cooked dinner.

2. Relative Pronouns:

Relative pronouns introduce dependent clauses and relate them to a noun in the independent clause. Common relative pronouns include “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “which,” and “that.”

Here is a comprehensive list of relative pronouns:

• Who: Refers to people.
  • The teacher who helped me is retiring.
• Whom: Refers to people, often used in formal writing or when the pronoun is the object of the verb.
  • The student whom I tutored passed the exam.
• Whose: Indicates possession.
  • The artist whose work we admired is famous.
• Which: Refers to animals and things.
  • The book which I borrowed was fascinating.
• That: Refers to people, animals, and things, and is often used in defining relative clauses.
  • The car that he drives is new.
• Where: Refers to places.
  • The house where I grew up has been sold.
• When: Refers to time.
  • The year when we moved here was memorable.
• Why: Refers to reasons.
  • The reason why she left remains unknown.
• What: Refers to things, often in a context where the thing is not yet identified.
  • I don’t know what she wants.

Complex vs. Compound Sentences

Understanding the difference between complex and compound sentences is crucial for effective writing. While both types of sentences are used to combine multiple ideas, they do so in different ways and serve different purposes.

Understanding the Difference

Complex Sentences:

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The dependent clause is connected to the independent clause using a subordinating conjunction (such as “because,” “although,” or “when”) or a relative pronoun (such as “who,” “which,” or “that”). This structure allows writers to provide additional context, details, or explanations.

Example:

• Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.

Compound Sentences:

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as “and,” “but,” “or,” “so,” “for,” “nor,” or “yet”) or a semicolon. Each independent clause in a compound sentence can stand alone as a complete sentence, and they are often combined to show a relationship between equal ideas.

Example:

• It was raining, so we canceled the picnic.

Table: Distinguishing Between Complex and Compound Sentences

Complex Sentence Examples

In the following examples, the independent clause is in bold, the dependent clauses are in italics, and the subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns are italicized and bolded.

1. Although it was raining, we decided to go for a hike.
2. Because she studied hard, Maria passed her exams with flying colors.
3. The book that you gave me is fascinating.
4. We went for a walk although it was raining.
5. She stayed home from work because she was feeling ill.
6. He was allowed to play video games since he had finished his homework.
7. The sky turned a beautiful shade of orange when the sun set.
8. The phone rang while I was cooking dinner.
9. You will pass the exam if you study hard.
10. She wrote a review after she read the book.
11. He won’t forgive you unless you apologize.
12. She bought the dress even though it was expensive.
13. We have a great time whenever he visits.
14. I will call you as soon as I finish my chores.
15. They threw him a surprise party because it was his birthday.
16. She completed her assignment though she was tired.
17. The baby slept soundly while the dog barked.
18. We will cancel the picnic if it rains tomorrow.
19. I left a message since you were out.
20. They went out for lunch after the meeting ended.
21. You won’t get in trouble as long as you follow the rules.
22. She started crying when she heard the news.
23. He decided to take a break although he had a lot of work to do.

Complex Sentences with Multiple Dependent Clauses

A complex sentence can contain more than one dependent clause. These dependent clauses can add multiple layers of detail and complexity to the sentence, allowing the writer to convey more nuanced information.

When multiple dependent clauses are used, they can be connected by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns to a single independent clause.

Here is an example:

• Because he had to finish his project, he stayed up late although he was very tired.

Here is the breakdown of the sentence:

In this structure:

• “Because he had to finish his project” is a dependent clause providing the reason.
• “He stayed up late” is the independent clause.
• “Although he was very tired” is another dependent clause providing a contrast.

Other Examples of Complex Sentences with Multiple Dependent Clauses:

1. Although I had to write a report, I went to bed early because I was tired.
2. We decided to postpone the picnic because it was raining, even though we were looking forward to it..
3. The teacher praised the student who had worked hard all semester because she showed great improvement.

The above sentences illustrate how multiple dependent clauses can provide additional information and complexity.

Creating Complex Sentences: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting complex sentences involves identifying the main idea, choosing the appropriate subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun, and ensuring the sentence flows smoothly.

1. Identify the Main Idea: Start with the independent clause.
2. Choose a Subordinating Conjunction or Relative Pronoun: Decide what additional information you want to include.
3. Combine the Clauses: Use the conjunction or pronoun to link the dependent clause to the independent clause.
4. Check for Clarity and Flow: Ensure the sentence makes sense and reads well.

Common Pitfalls in Constructing Complex Sentences

When constructing complex sentences, it is essential to avoid common mistakes that can undermine the clarity and coherence of your writing. Here are some potential pitfalls along with examples:

1. Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined together with just a comma, without an appropriate conjunction or punctuation.

Incorrect Example:

• She was tired, she went to bed early.

Corrected Examples:

• She was tired, so she went to bed early.
• She was tired; she went to bed early.
• Because she was tired, she went to bed early.

2. Sentence Fragments

A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that lacks either a subject or a verb or does not express a complete thought.

Incorrect Example:

• Because he was late.

Corrected Example:

• Because he was late, he missed the bus.

3. Over-Complication

Over-complication occurs when a sentence is overloaded with multiple clauses, making it confusing and difficult to follow.

Incorrect Example:

• Although she was tired and since she had a lot of work to do, and because she didn’t want to disappoint her team, she decided to stay up late and work on the project, even though it was already very late.

Corrected Example:

• Although she was tired, she decided to stay up late to work on the project because she didn’t want to disappoint her team.

Another Corrected Example:

• She was tired and had a lot of work to do, but she didn’t want to disappoint her team. Therefore, she decided to stay up late and work on the project.

Why Are Complex Sentences Used?

Here are some benefits of using complex sentences:

• Enhancing Clarity and Detail:
  • Complex sentences allow writers to include more detail and context, making their writing clearer and more informative. By combining related ideas into a single sentence, complex sentences prevent the text from becoming choppy or disjointed.
• Adding Variety to Writing:
  • Using a variety of sentence structures keeps the reader engaged and makes the writing more interesting. Complex sentences add sophistication and variety, enhancing the overall quality of the text.
• Improving Readability:
  • While complex sentences add depth, they should be used judiciously to maintain readability. Properly constructed complex sentences improve the flow and make the text more enjoyable to read.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering the art of complex sentences is a valuable skill that enhances your writing by adding clarity, detail, and variety. Whether you are an academic, a creative writer, a professional, or simply looking to improve your everyday communication, understanding and using complex sentences effectively will elevate your writing.