Understanding sentence structure is crucial for effective written communication. One important type of sentence is the complex sentence. These sentences add depth, variety, and sophistication to writing, making your ideas more nuanced and engaging. But what exactly is a complex sentence, and how does it differ from other sentence types?
In this blog post, we’ll break down what complex sentences are, provide examples, explain how to write them and compare them to simple sentences. By the end, you’ll have the tools to incorporate complex sentences into your own writing with ease.
What Is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (or subordinate) clause.
- Independent Clause: A complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence.
- Dependent Clause: A group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not form a complete thought.
The dependent clause is usually introduced by a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, while) or a relative pronoun (e.g., which, that, who).
Example:
- Independent clause: I stayed up late.
- Dependent clause: Because I had an assignment to finish.
- Complex sentence: I stayed up late because I had an assignment to finish.
The dependent clause adds additional context or explanation to the main idea, enriching the sentence.
What Are Complex Sentences Examples?
Here are a few examples of complex sentences:
- Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
- She didn’t attend the party because she was feeling unwell.
- The book, which I borrowed from the library, was fascinating.
- If you study hard, you will do well in your exams.
- I’ll call you when I get home.
In each case, the dependent clause provides extra information that makes the sentence more descriptive or explanatory.
How to Write a Complex Sentence
Writing a complex sentence is straightforward once you understand its components. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Start with an Independent Clause
Begin with a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence.
Example: The cat slept on the sofa.
Add a Dependent Clause
Introduce a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.
Example: The cat slept on the sofa because it was tired.
Combine the Two Clauses
Ensure that the dependent clause is logically connected to the independent clause. You can place the dependent clause at the beginning or the end, depending on the emphasis.
Example (dependent clause first): Because it was tired, the cat slept on the sofa.
Use Proper Punctuation
When the dependent clause comes first, place a comma after it: Although it was late, she kept reading.
When the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed: She kept reading although it was late.
With these steps, you can craft complex sentences that are both clear and engaging.
Complex vs Simple Sentence
To fully understand complex sentences, it’s important to compare them to simple sentences.
- Simple Sentence: Contains only one independent clause and no dependent clauses.
- Example: The dog barked.
- Complex Sentence: Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
- Example: The dog barked because it heard a noise.
The key difference is that a simple sentence expresses a single idea, while a complex sentence provides additional context or elaboration through a dependent clause.
Why Use Complex Sentences?
- They make your writing more dynamic and descriptive.
- They allow you to show relationships between ideas.
- They help avoid repetitive or choppy writing that relies solely on simple sentences.
Examples of Complex Sentences in Writing
To see complex sentences in action, let’s explore how they enhance different types of writing:
- In Essays:
Although the data supports the hypothesis, further research is required to confirm the findings.
This sentence clarifies the relationship between the evidence and the conclusion, adding depth to the argument.
- In Fiction:
She hesitated, knowing that the decision she made would change her life forever.
The dependent clause reveals the character’s internal conflict, enriching the narrative.
- In Professional Writing:
We will proceed with the project if the client approves the proposal by next week.
The conditional clause sets clear expectations, making the communication precise.
Tips for Mastering Complex Sentences
- Familiarise Yourself with Subordinating Conjunctions
Common subordinating conjunctions include because, although, while, if, since, and when. Experiment with these to build varied and interesting sentences. - Avoid Overloading Sentences
While complex sentences are valuable, too many in one paragraph can make your writing dense and difficult to follow. Balance them with simple and compound sentences. - Check for Clarity
Ensure that your dependent clauses are directly related to the independent clause. Ambiguity can confuse readers. - Practise Combining Sentences
Take two simple sentences and combine them into a complex sentence. For example:- Simple: The sun was setting. The sky turned orange.
- Complex: As the sun was setting, the sky turned orange.
Conclusion
So, what is a complex sentence? It’s a versatile and powerful tool in writing, combining independent and dependent clauses to create nuanced and engaging sentences. By understanding how to write a complex sentence and recognising the differences between complex and simple sentences, you can elevate your writing and communicate ideas more effectively.
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