Complex Sentences: Definition and Structure

Complex Sentences

Definition and Structure

• A complex sentence is an independent clause (main clause) with one or more dependent clauses (subordinate clauses).
• The main clause has a subject and a predicate, while the subordinate clause does not express a complete thought.
• The subordinate clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g. because, although, if, unless, etc.).

Subordinating Conjunctions

• Causal relationships:
  • Because
  • Since
  • As
  • For
• Contrasting relationships:
  • Although
  • Though
  • Even though
  • In spite of
• Conditional relationships:
  • If
  • Unless
  • Provided that
  • On condition that
• Temporal relationships:
  • When
  • While
  • After
  • Before
• Concessive relationships:
  • Although
  • Even though
  • While
  • Though

Types of Subordinate Clauses

• Adverbial clauses:
  • Modifying the main clause (e.g. I went to the store because I needed milk.)
  • Providing additional information (e.g. I went to the store, where I saw my friend.)
• Relative clauses:
  • Defining clauses (e.g. The book, which is on the table, is mine.)
  • Non-defining clauses (e.g. The book, which I read last week, is mine.)
• Nominal clauses:
  • Acting as a subject (e.g. What she said was true.)
  • Acting as a complement (e.g. The fact is that she was wrong.)

Clauses in Complex Sentences

• Independent clause:
  • Has a subject and a predicate
  • Can stand alone as a complete sentence
• Dependent clause:
  • Does not have a complete thought
  • Begins with a subordinating conjunction
  • Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence

Examples of Complex Sentences

• I went to the store because I needed milk.
• Although it was raining, I still went to the park.
• If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.
• The book, which is on the table, is mine.
• What she said was true.

Complex Sentences

Definition and Structure

• A complex sentence consists of an independent clause (main clause) and one or more dependent clauses (subordinate clauses).
• The main clause has a subject and a predicate, while the subordinate clause does not express a complete thought.
• Subordinate clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction.

Subordinating Conjunctions

• Causal relationships: because, since, as, for
• Contrasting relationships: although, though, even though, in spite of
• Conditional relationships: if, unless, provided that, on condition that
• Temporal relationships: when, while, after, before
• Concessive relationships: although, even though, while, though

Types of Subordinate Clauses

Adverbial Clauses

• Modify the main clause
• Provide additional information

Relative Clauses

• Defining clauses: provide essential information
• Non-defining clauses: provide additional information

Nominal Clauses

• Act as a subject
• Act as a complement

Clauses in Complex Sentences

Independent Clause

• Has a subject and a predicate
• Can stand alone as a complete sentence

Dependent Clause

• Does not have a complete thought
• Begins with a subordinating conjunction
• Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence

Examples of Complex Sentences

• I went to the store because I needed milk (adverbial clause)
• Although it was raining, I still went to the park (contrasting relationship)
• If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam (conditional relationship)
• The book, which is on the table, is mine (relative clause)
• What she said was true (nominal clause)