3.

Complex sentence
A complex sentence includes one independent clause and one or more dependent
clauses. An independent clause forms a complete sentence that can stand alone, while a
dependent clause cannot. A dependent clause relies on an independent clause to
complete its meaning. Complex sentences are used to connect ideas that are related to
each other and to show the relationships between those ideas.

A. Types of Complex sentences

There are three types of complex sentences: adverbial, adjectival, and

nominal. Adverbial clauses modify the verb in the independent clause, while adjectival
clauses modify the noun in the independent clause. Nominal clauses act as a noun in the
independent clause.
For example:
 Adverbial clause: "After she finished her homework, she went to bed early."
 Adjectival clause: "The book that I read last night was very interesting."
 Nominal clause: "What he said made me angry."

B. What are Independent and Dependent Clauses?

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. The difference
between independent and dependent clauses is this: an independent clause can stand
alone as a sentence and a dependent clause cannot.
a. What is an independent clause
An independent clause is a simple sentence. Those two terms, independent clause
and simple sentence, mean the same thing.
An independent clause includes a subject and a verb, and expresses a complete thought
—just like a simple sentence does.
An independent clause makes sense on its own. In these examples, the subjects and
verbs are in bold.
 I had a rough start to my birthday today.
 I slept through my alarm.
 My boss was angry about my subsequent late arrival.
 Someone stole my lunch from the office fridge!
 No one even brought a cake to celebrate my birthday.

b. What Is A Dependent Clause?

A dependent clause also contains a subject and a verb, but does not express a
complete thought.
It depends on connection to an independent clause to make sense. Another name for a
dependent clause is subordinate clause.

A dependent clause often starts with a subordinating conjunction, a word which

establishes a relationship between the information in the subordinating clause and the
independent clause it is connected to.

These relationships include cause/effect, time, place, condition, comparison, and

concession.
In these examples of dependent clauses, the subjects and verbs are in bold, and the
subordinating conjunctions are highlighted.

 Because I left work late

 Since it was dark when I got back to my house
 While I was careful to observe my surroundings
 As soon as I opened the door

With the independent clauses, we know what’s happening by the end of the sentence.
This poor person, let’s call her Joanne, has had a lousy day.
With the dependent clauses, we are “left hanging,” and it seems as if Joanne’s day may
have gotten even worse!
I wish we could find out if she at least got home safely on her forgotten birthday!

c. How to Create Complex Sentences

Complex sentences include an independent and at least one dependent clause.

Though the dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence, it does add to the
meaning of the independent clause.

In a complex sentence, the independent and dependent clauses can be put together in a
variety of ways. For example:

Dependent followed by independent: In this format, put a comma after the dependent
clause.

 Because I left work late, I just wanted to get home and relax.
(The dependent clause tells us why Joanne wanted to get home)

Independent followed by dependent: In this format, no comma is needed.

 I was feeling extra stressed and tired since it was dark when I got back to my
house.
(The dependent clause tells us why Joanne was extra stressed and tired)

Dependent both before and after independent: In this format, a comma is required after
the first dependent clause.

 While I was careful to observe my surroundings, I almost tripped walking up to

my door since I couldn’t see in the darkness.
(The dependent clause establishes a relationship of contrast with the independent
clause)

Two dependents followed by an independent clause: In this format, put a comma after
each dependent clause.

 As soon as I opened the door, and after I had kicked off my shoes, I had a sense
that someone was in my house.
(The dependent clauses tell us when Joanne experienced that sense)

Do you see how those ingredients work together to create a complete thought?

While the independent clause doesn’t need the dependent clause to survive as a
sentence, the dependent clause adds to the meaning of that dependent clause.

Be careful with that comma!

You might have noticed that in all the examples of complex sentences so far, there is
sometimes a comma and sometimes not. It can be difficult to remember whether you
need a comma in a complex sentence. Here is an explanation of when you need a
comma and when you don’t.
When the dependent clause is first, you need to separate the dependent clause and the
independent clause with a comma.
When the independent clause is first, you don’t need a comma.
This table offers a quick reference:
 Dependent clause Comma Independent clause

Independent clause No comma Dependent clause

Here are some examples:

 If you’re still hungry, have some carrots.
 Have some carrots if you’re still hungry.
 She bought herself a red dress even though she looks better in blue.
 Even though she looks better in blue, she bought herself a red dress.
 They stayed at the beach until the sun went down.
 Until the sun went down, they stayed at the beach.
 Commas can be intimidating if you’re not too sure about where they are
supposed to go. This guide will help you write complex sentences with more
confidence

d. Using A Dependent Clause to Interrupt an Independent Clause in a Complex

Sentence
All the examples so far have shown complex sentences that include an independent
clause and a dependent clause placed one after the other in one order or another.
But sometimes, a dependent clause can be put right in the middle of an independent
clause. In this format, the dependent clause should be surrounded with commas.

In these examples, the dependent clause is in bold. If you remove it from the sentence,
you’re left with an independent clause.

 The dog, because he was so friendly, was adopted quickly.

 The meal, even though it was exceptional, was expensive.
 The students, whatever their skill levels, all showed improvement.
B. Common Mistakes
Here are a few things to avoid:
 Don't use a coordinating conjunction instead of a subordinating conjunction.
Coordinating conjunctions like "and," "but," and "or," are used to join two
independent clauses. Using a coordinating conjunction instead of a
subordinating conjunction can create a run-on sentence.

 Avoid incorrect placement of commas. Commas are used to separate the

dependent clause from the independent clause and to set off introductory
phrases.

C. Excercise
Sample question
1. Practice Question:
Combine the following sentences into a complex sentence: "He missed the bus. He
had to walk to school."
Answer: "Because he missed the bus, he had to walk to school."
Explanation: By using the subordinating conjunction "because," the second sentence
is subordinated to the first one, forming a complex sentence that shows the cause-effect
relationship.

2. Practice Question:
Rewrite the following sentence to make it a complex sentence: "She finished her
homework. She went out to play with her friends."
Answer: "After she finished her homework, she went out to play with her friends."
Explanation: By adding the subordinating conjunction "after," the second sentence
becomes dependent on the first one, resulting in a complex sentence.
3. Practice Question:
Combine the two sentences using a relative pronoun: "The book is on the table. I want
to read it."
Answer: "The book that is on the table is the one I want to read."
Explanation: The relative pronoun "that" introduces the dependent clause and connects
the two sentences into a single complex sentence.

4. Practice Question:
Form a complex sentence by joining the following sentences: "She woke up late. She
missed her morning train."
Answer:
"Because she woke up late, she missed her morning train."
Explanation:
Using the subordinating conjunction "because" makes the second sentence dependent
on the first one, resulting in a complex sentence.

5. Practice Question:
Rewrite the following sentences into a complex sentence using a participle phrase:
"The cat chased the mouse. It was hungry."
Answer: "Hungry, the cat chased the mouse."
Explanation: By using the participle phrase "hungry," the second sentence is modified
and combined with the first one to form a complex sentence.

Multiple choice
1. Which of the following is a complex sentence?
A. She went to the store and bought some groceries.
B. Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
C. The cat meowed loudly when it wanted food.
D. He likes to read books and watch movies.

Answer: B. Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.

 Explanation: This sentence contains a dependent clause ("Although it was raining")
and an independent clause ("they decided to go for a walk"), making it a complex
sentence.

2. Identify the complex sentence:

A. I will go to the beach.
B. Whenever I see her, I smile.
C. The dog barked loudly.
D. She danced all night long.

Answer: B. Whenever I see her, I smile.

Explanation: This sentence has a dependent clause ("Whenever I see her") and an
independent clause ("I smile"), making it a complex sentence.

3. Which sentence is NOT a complex sentence?

A. After the movie ended, we went out for dinner.
B. He played basketball and soccer at the park.
C. Because she studied hard, she passed the exam.
D. Whenever he visits, he brings me a gift.

Answer: B. He played basketball and soccer at the park.

Explanation: This sentence is a compound sentence, not a complex sentence, as it
contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

4. Choose the complex sentence:

A. The sun was shining, and the birds were chirping.
B. I will go to the store if you need anything.
C. She is a talented singer and dancer.
D. He ran quickly to catch the bus.

Answer: B. I will go to the store if you need anything.

 Explanation: This sentence has an independent clause ("I will go to the store") and a
dependent clause ("if you need anything"), making it a complex sentence.

5. Which sentence is a complex sentence?

A. The flowers bloomed in the garden.
B. I enjoy reading books and watching movies.
C. Even though it was late, she continued working.
D. He walked to the park and played basketball.

Answer: C. Even though it was late, she continued working.

Explanation: This sentence contains a dependent clause ("Even though it was late")
and an independent clause ("she continued working"), making it a complex sentence.

6. Which of the following is a complex sentence?

A. She baked a cake for her friend's birthday party.
B. While I was studying, my brother was watching TV.
C. The cat chased the mouse around the house.
D. He enjoys playing soccer and basketball.

Answer: B. While I was studying, my brother was watching TV.

Explanation: This sentence contains a dependent clause ("While I was studying") and
an independent clause ("my brother was watching TV"), making it a complex sentence.

7. Identify the complex sentence:

A. They went for a walk in the park.
B. Although it was hot, she wore a sweater.
C. The students completed their homework.
D. He sang and danced at the talent show.

Answer: B. Although it was hot, she wore a sweater.

 Explanation: This sentence has a dependent clause ("Although it was hot") and an
independent clause ("she wore a sweater"), making it a complex sentence.

8. Which sentence is NOT a complex sentence?

A. After the rain stopped, the sun came out.
B. He read a book and then watched a movie.
C. Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
D. Whenever he visits, he brings flowers.

Answer: B. He read a book and then watched a movie.

Explanation: This sentence is a compound sentence, not a complex sentence, as it
contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

9. Choose the complex sentence:

A. The dog barked loudly in the yard.
B. I will go to the beach this weekend.
C. Since it was raining, they stayed indoors.
D. She painted a beautiful picture.

Answer: C. Since it was raining, they stayed indoors.

Explanation: This sentence has a dependent clause ("Since it was raining") and an
independent clause ("they stayed indoors"), making it a complex sentence.

10. Which sentence is a complex sentence?

A. The children played outside all day.
B. Even though she was tired, she finished her work.
C. He rode his bike to the park.
D. She sang a song and played the guitar.

Answer: B. Even though she was tired, she finished her work.
 Explanation: This sentence contains a dependent clause ("Even though she was tired")
and an independent clause ("she finished her work"), making it a complex sentence.

1. Mark the letter of the independent clause in each group.

A. When the tourists arrived
B. If you are camping
C. It is bigger than Rhode Island
D. Although there are many cars

2. Since we had only gone a mile from camp, we decided to return before dark.
A. Simple sentence
B. Compound Sentence
C. Complex Sentence
D. Compound-Complex Sentence
3. After the tornado hit, my house was completely destroyed.
A. Simple sentence
B. Compound Sentence
C. Complex Sentence
D. Compound-Complex Sentence
4. A sentence that is made up of one independent/main clause and one or more
dependent/subordinate clauses is called
A. simple
B. compound
C. complex
D. compound-complex
5.Lucy will come after she babysits if we haven't already concluded the meeting.
A. simple
B. compound
C. complex
D. compound-complex
6. What is a complex sentence?
a. A sentence with one independent clause and no dependent clauses.
b. A sentence with two or more independent clauses and no dependent clauses.
c. A sentence with one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
d. A sentence with two or more dependent clauses.
7. Which of the following is a subordinating conjunction?
a. And
b. But
c. Because
d. Or
8. In a complex sentence, what does a dependent clause rely on?
a. Another dependent clause.
b. A coordinating conjunction.
c. An independent clause to complete its meaning.
d. A punctuation mark.
9. Which of the following sentences is a complex sentence?
a. She sings and dances.
b. Although she was tired, she went to the gym.
c. She sings, and he dances.
d. She sang and then danced.
10. What is the primary purpose of using complex sentences in English?
a. To make the sentence longer.
b. To express complex ideas and connect related ideas.
c. To use more vocabulary words.
d. To impress the reader with complex grammar.
Essay
Complex Sentence Quiz Fix the punctuation for the complex sentences below. If the
sentence is correct, write "correct."
1.Because it is so hot, people need to drink extra water.
2.The heat lasted for weeks although the night cooled down. Correct
3.If the weather gets any hotter, the electricity will go out.
4.Too many people use their air conditioners at once during a heatwave.
5.Since the heat wave began, we have went swimming every day
6.When the weather gets cooler,we will feel relieved.
7.While it is a bit hot, it isn't too bad.
8.The sun was going down as we ran through the sprinklers.
9.Until it is winter,it will still be hot.
10. Besides winning the contest,the student got a poem published.

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