Complex Sentences

What is a Complex Sentence?

A complex sentence contains one independent clause (a complete thought) and at least one dependent clause (an incomplete thought that relies on the independent clause). These sentences add depth, clarity, and sophistication to writing by showing relationships between ideas.

The following diagram shows some examples of complex sentences. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions.

 

Independent Clause: This is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete idea.

Dependent Clause: This is a group of words that has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a sentence. It relies on the independent clause to complete its meaning. Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.

• Subordinating Conjunctions (examples): after, although, as, because, before, if, since, though, unless, until, when, where, while.
• Relative Pronouns (examples): who, whom, whose, which, that.

Structure of Complex Sentences:
Complex sentences can have different structures depending on where the dependent clause is placed:

1. Dependent Clause + Independent Clause: The dependent clause comes before the independent clause and is usually followed by a comma.
   Example: Because it was raining, the picnic was cancelled.
2. Independent Clause + Dependent Clause(s): The independent clause comes first, and the dependent clause follows. An independent clause can be followed by multiple dependent clauses.
   Example: The picnic was cancelled because it was raining.
   Example: She smiled as the children played and while the sun shone brightly.
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Fragment: “Because I was hungry.” (Missing independent clause.)
✅ Correct: “Because I was hungry, I ate a sandwich."

❌ Comma Splice: “It was cold, we wore jackets.” (Two independent clauses incorrectly joined.)
✅ Correct: “Since it was cold, we wore jackets."

What is a complex sentence?
How to make a complex sentence using an independent and a dependent clause?

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Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences
How to use simple, compound and complex sentences and the effects of different sentence types.

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Complex Sentences
Learn some examples of complex sentences with Kung Fu Panda

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English Grammar - Compound and Complex Sentences

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Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences

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