Complex Sentence

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What is a Complex Sentence?

Complex sentences are the difficult version of compound sentence in English Grammar. They can have more dependent clauses whereas the compound sentence can only have one dependent clause along with one independent clause.

An independent clause is the phrase that can stand on its own or can form a separate meaningful sentence. Whereas a dependent clause is always dependent upon the independent clause to form a meaningful sentence.

These kinds of sentences have the complex structure in compared to other types of sentences.

Let’s consider one example.

I like to apply face cream before I go to bed.

In above example I like to apply face cream is an independent sentence which can stand alone and give a meaningful sense.

But before I go to bed does not specify any meaning and cannot stand on its own.

When it is attached to the first phrase it gives a complete meaning.

The dependent clause used in complex sentences always starts with a subordinating conjunction.

In other words, subordinating conjunctions are used to link a dependent clause and an independent clause.

Even in one complex sentence we can use two subordinating conjunctions to join two or more independent and dependent clauses.

It can the same subordinating conjunction or different.

Some subordinating conjunctions are 

  • Before
  • Since
  • While
  • Because 
  • Once
  • Until
  • When
  • Wherever
  • Whatever
  • Whenever
  • Though
  • That
  • Even if
  • Even though

Let’s try forming some complex sentences using above subordinating conjunctions.

  • Before he arrived at the hospital, his son died.
  • Since Marry was 3 years older than Steven, they could not get married.
  • While I am a fan of baseball, I prefer basketball.
  • Whenever I visit native, I have ice-cream from my favourite shop.
  • Wherever you go, I will not leave you.
  • Though you slapped you on middle of road I forgave you for your mistake.
  • Although she looks smart, she failed in the maths exam.

 Structure of Complex Sentence

Complex sentence can be formed in 3 ways with dependent clause and independent clause position.

Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

Dependent Clause + Independent Clause

Dependent Clause + Independent Clause +Dependent Clause

Let’s explore each of them with examples.

Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

  • I did not go for tuitions as I already studied the chapter in college.

In above example:

I did not go for tuitions: Independent Clause

Above phrase of sentence can stand alone and make sense.

as I already studied the chapter in college: Dependent Clause

This phrase cannot stand alone, this starts with subordinating conjunction AS and this clause is also known as subordinating clause.

Dependent Clause + Independent Clause

Because I already studied the chapter in college, I did not go for tuitions.

Because I already studied the chapter in college: Dependent Clause

I did not go for tuitions: Independent Clause

Above example of writing independent clause first can be written by keeping dependent clause first as well.

But we have used subordinate clause Because in place if As.

Dependent Clause + Independent Clause +Dependent Clause

Even though I was nervous in my first interview, I felt really confident after answering few questions.

Even though I was nervous in my first interview: Dependent Clause

I felt really confident: Independent Clause

after answering few questions: Dependent Clause

Here we have formed a complex sentence by using two dependent clauses and independent clause.Both the dependent clauses cannot stand alone and depend upon the independent clause which is I felt really confident.