Complex sentences are an important component of the English language and are widely used in both written and spoken communication. A complex sentence consists of an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. While independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences, dependent clauses rely on the independent clause to convey a complete thought. This article aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to complex sentences in English, explaining their structure, functions, and providing example sentences for better understanding.
I. Structure of Complex Sentences
A complex sentence is formed by combining an independent clause, which can function as a standalone sentence, with one or more dependent clauses that cannot stand alone. The dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns. Here is a breakdown of the structure:
Independent Clause: This clause contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. It can function independently as a sentence.
Dependent Clause: This clause also contains a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought. It relies on the independent clause for its meaning and cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Subordinating Conjunctions: These are words such as “because,” “although,” “while,” “when,” “since,” and “if” that introduce dependent clauses. They establish a relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.
Relative Pronouns: Words like “who,” “whom,” “which,” “that,” and “whose” are used to introduce dependent clauses that function as adjectives to provide additional information about a noun in the independent clause.
II. Functions of Complex Sentences
Complex sentences serve various functions in English, including:
Providing Additional Information: Dependent clauses can provide additional details, explanations, or examples related to the main idea expressed in the independent clause. For example:
The dog barked loudly because it was hungry.
She couldn’t attend the party since she had to work late.
Showing Cause and Effect: Complex sentences are often used to express cause and effect relationships. The subordinating conjunctions “because,” “since,” and “as” are commonly used for this purpose. For example:
I couldn’t study well because I was feeling sick.
Since it was raining heavily, we decided to stay indoors.
Expressing Time Relationships: Complex sentences can indicate temporal relationships between events or actions. Subordinating conjunctions like “when,” “while,” “before,” “after,” and “since” are used in such cases. For example:
She was cooking dinner when the phone rang.
After he finished his work, he went for a walk.
Conveying Contrast or Opposition: Dependent clauses can express contrast or opposition to the main idea in the independent clause. Subordinating conjunctions like “although,” “though,” “while,” and “whereas” are used to introduce such clauses. For example:
Although it was raining, they decided to go for a picnic.
She enjoys playing soccer, whereas her brother prefers basketball.
III. Examples of Complex Sentences
To further illustrate the use of complex sentences, here are some examples:
Additional Information:
The book that she is reading is very interesting.
I ate dinner after I finished my homework.
Cause and Effect:
He failed the exam because he didn’t study.
Since it’s a public holiday, the office will be closed.
Time Relationships:
We will go to the beach when the weather improves.
After I graduate, I plan to travel the world.
Contrast or Opposition:
Although she studied hard, she couldn’t pass the test.
He loves ice cream, while his sister prefers cake.
In conclusion, complex sentences are an integral part of the English language and provide a way to convey additional information, express cause and effect relationships, indicate time relationships, and convey contrast or opposition. By combining independent and dependent clauses, complex sentences allow for more nuanced and detailed communication. Understanding the structure and functions of complex sentences is essential for effective written and spoken communication in English.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct subordinating conjunction to complete the complex sentence.
She couldn’t go to the party __ she had a prior commitment.
a) because
b) since
c) after
d) while
Answer: a) because
Explanation: In this sentence, the dependent clause provides the reason for her inability to attend the party. The correct subordinating conjunction to express cause and introduce the dependent clause is “because.”
Example sentence: She couldn’t go to the party because she had a prior commitment.
Exercise 2:
Identify the function of the dependent clause in the given complex sentence.
Although it was raining, they decided to go for a picnic.
a) Providing additional information
b) Showing cause and effect
c) Expressing time relationships
d) Conveying contrast or opposition
Answer: d) Conveying contrast or opposition
Explanation: The dependent clause in this sentence introduces a contrasting idea to the main clause. It presents the opposition between the rain and their decision to go for a picnic.
Example sentence: Although it was raining, they decided to go for a picnic.
Exercise 3:
Select the appropriate relative pronoun to complete the complex sentence.
The book _ she is reading is very interesting.
a) who
b) whom
c) that
d) whose
Answer: c) that
Explanation: In this sentence, the relative pronoun “that” is used to introduce the dependent clause that provides additional information about the book. “That” is used when the relative pronoun refers to things or animals.
Example sentence: The book that she is reading is very interesting.
Exercise 4:
Determine the function of the dependent clause in the given complex sentence.
After I finished my work, I went for a walk.
a) Providing additional information
b) Showing cause and effect
c) Expressing time relationships
d) Conveying contrast or opposition
Answer: c) Expressing time relationships
Explanation: The dependent clause in this sentence introduces the time relationship between the completion of work and going for a walk. It indicates the sequence of events.
Example sentence: After I finished my work, I went for a walk.
Exercise 5:
Choose the correct subordinating conjunction to complete the complex sentence.
He failed the test __ he didn’t study.
a) although
b) unless
c) if
d) because
Answer: d) because
Explanation: In this sentence, the dependent clause provides the reason for his failure in the test. The correct subordinating conjunction to express cause and introduce the dependent clause is “because.”
Example sentence: He failed the test because he didn’t study.
Exercise 6:
Identify the function of the dependent clause in the given complex sentence.
She loves ice cream, while her brother prefers cake.
a) Providing additional information
b) Showing cause and effect
c) Expressing time relationships
d) Conveying contrast or opposition
Answer: d) Conveying contrast or opposition
Explanation: The dependent clause in this sentence introduces the contrasting preference between the girl loving ice cream and her brother preferring cake.
Example sentence: She loves ice cream, while her brother prefers cake.
Exercise 7:
Select the appropriate subordinating conjunction to complete the complex sentence.
I will go to the beach __ the weather improves.
a) when
b) if
c) before
d) because
Answer: a) when
Explanation: In this sentence, the dependent clause indicates the condition under which the action of going to the beach will take place. The correct subordinating conjunction to express time relationships and introduce the dependent clause is “when.”
Example sentence: I will go to the beach when the weather improves.
Exercise 8:
Determine the function of the dependent clause in the given complex sentence.
Since it’s a public holiday, the office will be closed.
a) Providing additional information
b) Showing cause and effect
c) Expressing time relationships
d) Conveying contrast or opposition
Answer: b) Showing cause and effect
Explanation: The dependent clause in this sentence provides the reason for the office being closed. It establishes the cause and effect relationship between the public holiday and the closure of the office.
Example sentence: Since it’s a public holiday, the office will be closed.
Exercise 9:
Choose the correct relative pronoun to complete the complex sentence.
The student _ I spoke to was very helpful.
a) who
b) whom
c) that
d) whose
Answer: a) who
Explanation: In this sentence, the relative pronoun “who” is used to introduce the dependent clause that provides additional information about the student. “Who” is used when the relative pronoun refers to people.
Example sentence: The student who I spoke to was very helpful.
Exercise 10:
Identify the function of the dependent clause in the given complex sentence.
She couldn’t attend the party because she had to work late.
a) Providing additional information
b) Showing cause and effect
c) Expressing time relationships
d) Conveying contrast or opposition
Answer: b) Showing cause and effect
Explanation: The dependent clause in this sentence explains the reason for her inability to attend the party. It demonstrates the cause and effect relationship between her having to work late and not being able to attend the party.
Example sentence: She couldn’t attend the party because she had to work late.
In each exercise, the correct answers are provided along with an explanation of why they are the correct choices. Additionally, an example sentence is given to further illustrate the usage and context of the complex sentence structure and its various elements.
Originally posted 2023-07-18 22:34:37.