A Complex Sentence is a sentence that contains one main clause (independent clause) and one or more subordinate clauses (dependent clauses). The main clause is a part of the sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence, whereas the subordinate clause cannot stand alone and requires the main clause to convey full meaning.
Characteristics of a Complex Sentence
- Main Clause: A part of the sentence that can stand alone and has a complete meaning.
- Subordinate Clause: A part of the sentence that cannot stand alone and requires the main clause to form a complete meaning. This clause is usually introduced by subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “although,” “if,” “when,” etc.
Examples of Complex Sentences
- Sentence: “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
- Main Clause: “We went for a walk.”
- Subordinate Clause: “Although it was raining.”
- Explanation: The subordinate clause “Although it was raining” provides additional information about the reason or condition for the action in the main clause.
- Sentence: “She stayed home because she was feeling sick.”
- Main Clause: “She stayed home.”
- Subordinate Clause: “Because she was feeling sick.”
- Explanation: The subordinate clause “Because she was feeling sick” explains the reason behind the action in the main clause.
- Sentence: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
- Main Clause: “You will pass the exam.”
- Subordinate Clause: “If you study hard.”
- Explanation: The subordinate clause “If you study hard” shows the condition that must be met for the action in the main clause to occur.
- Sentence: “When the movie ended, everyone went home.”
- Main Clause: “Everyone went home.”
- Subordinate Clause: “When the movie ended.”
- Explanation: The subordinate clause “When the movie ended” indicates the timing of the action in the main clause.
- Sentence: “I will call you after I finish my work.”
- Main Clause: “I will call you.”
- Subordinate Clause: “After I finish my work.”
- Explanation: The subordinate clause “After I finish my work” shows the time related to the action in the main clause.
How to Form Complex Sentences
- Use Subordinating Conjunctions: Subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “although,” “if,” “when,” “since,” “unless,” and “while” connect the subordinate clause to the main clause.
- Place the Subordinate Clause: The subordinate clause can be placed at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the sentence, depending on the desired emphasis and sentence structure.
- Establish the Relationship: Ensure the subordinate clause clarifies, elaborates, or adds information to the main clause.
Examples with Different Structures
- Beginning of the Sentence: “If it snows tomorrow, we will build a snowman.”
- Middle of the Sentence: “We will, if it snows tomorrow, build a snowman.”
- End of the Sentence: “We will build a snowman if it snows tomorrow.”
Complex Sentence Exercises
- Sentence: “Because she was late, she missed the beginning of the movie.”
- a. Identify the independent clause.
- b. Identify the dependent clause.
- Sentence: “He went to the store after he finished his homework.”
- a. Identify the independent clause.
- b. Identify the dependent clause.
- Sentence: “Although it was a difficult exam, she passed with flying colors.”
- a. Identify the independent clause.
- b. Identify the dependent clause.
- Sentence: “If you need any help, please let me know.”
- a. Identify the independent clause.
- b. Identify the dependent clause.
- Sentence: “The book that I borrowed from you is on the table.”
- a. Identify the independent clause.
- b. Identify the dependent clause.
- Sentence: “When the rain stops, we will go for a walk.”
- a. Identify the independent clause.
- b. Identify the dependent clause.
- Sentence: “She will attend the meeting unless she is too busy.”
- a. Identify the independent clause.
- b. Identify the dependent clause.
- Sentence: “I will call you after I arrive at the airport.”
- a. Identify the independent clause.
- b. Identify the dependent clause.
- Sentence: “Since we have a long weekend, we are planning a trip to the mountains.”
- a. Identify the independent clause.
- b. Identify the dependent clause.
- Sentence: “Even though he was tired, he finished his project on time.”
- a. Identify the independent clause.
- b. Identify the dependent clause.
Answers
- Sentence: “Because she was late, she missed the beginning of the movie.”
- a. The independent clause is “she missed the beginning of the movie.”
- b. The dependent clause is “Because she was late.”
- Sentence: “He went to the store after he finished his homework.”
- a. The independent clause is “He went to the store.”
- b. The dependent clause is “after he finished his homework.”
- Sentence: “Although it was a difficult exam, she passed with flying colors.”
- a. The independent clause is “she passed with flying colors.”
- b. The dependent clause is “Although it was a difficult exam.”
- Sentence: “If you need any help, please let me know.”
- a. The independent clause is “please let me know.”
- b. The dependent clause is “If you need any help.”
- Sentence: “The book that I borrowed from you is on the table.”
- a. The independent clause is “The book is on the table.”
- b. The dependent clause is “that I borrowed from you.”
- Sentence: “When the rain stops, we will go for a walk.”
- a. The independent clause is “we will go for a walk.”
- b. The dependent clause is “When the rain stops.”
- Sentence: “She will attend the meeting unless she is too busy.”
- a. The independent clause is “She will attend the meeting.”
- b. The dependent clause is “unless she is too busy.”
- Sentence: “I will call you after I arrive at the airport.”
- a. The independent clause is “I will call you.”
- b. The dependent clause is “after I arrive at the airport.”
- Sentence: “Since we have a long weekend, we are planning a trip to the mountains.”
- a. The independent clause is “we are planning a trip to the mountains.”
- b. The dependent clause is “Since we have a long weekend.”
- Sentence: “Even though he was tired, he finished his project on time.”
- a. The independent clause is “he finished his project on time.”
- b. The dependent clause is “Even though he was tired.”
Using complex sentences allows you to convey more detailed information and to clarify relationships between different ideas more effectively and clearly.
Follow other English tutorials as well: What are Nouns and their Types, Understanding Regular and Irregular Verbs, Understanding Adjectives, Understanding Adverbs, Understanding Interjections, Definition and Use of Subject, Predicate, Object, Simple Sentences, Compound Sentences, Compound-Complex Sentence, Simple Present Tense, Simple Past Tense, Understanding Pronouns, Understanding Prepositions, Understanding Conjunction
Author at Media Aplikatif Sinergi
Lisna is an experienced practitioner of English in a foreign company. With a background in law and experience in English discussion groups during her university years, Lisna will guide you in learning English in an easy and enjoyable way. She has a passion for providing effective and beneficial learning materials.