Complex Sentences: How to Use Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is a sentence with one independent clause, also known as the main clause, and one or more dependent clauses, known as subordinate clauses. When the dependent clause is first in the sentence, a comma will connect the clauses. Other complex sentences link the independent and dependent clauses with subordinating conjunctions, like “when,” “how,” and “if.”

In the English language, compound sentences and complex sentences are two common types of sentence structures, but there are two crucial differences between them:

1. 1. Clauses: A compound sentence is a sentence comprising two or more independent clauses. A complex sentence is a sentence with one independent clause, also known as the main clause, and one or more dependent clauses, known as subordinate clauses. (There is also a sentence structure called the compound-complex sentence containing two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.)
2. 2. Connectives: The independent clauses in a compound sentence connect with coordinating conjunctions, like “for” and “yet.” A helpful mnemonic device is the acronym FANBOYS, which stands for “for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.” The independent clauses can also be connected with punctuation, such as a semicolon, or conjunctive adverbs, such as “however” and “nevertheless.” The independent and dependent clauses in a complex sentence join with subordinating conjunctions. Common subordinating conjunctions include “after,” “because,” “than,” “where,” “while,” “if,” and “unless.”

Complex sentences include one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses, linked by subordinating conjunctions.

1. 1. Independent clause: An independent clause, or main clause, expresses the central idea or subject of the sentence. The independent clause can function as a standalone sentence and expresses a complete thought.
2. 2. Subordinate clause: The dependent clauses will act as modifiers to that subject, adding important information or detail. This part of the sentence can also help establish the time sequence, causality, or a specific example of the idea.
3. 3. Subordinating conjunction: A dependent clause is a sentence fragment, so you must link it to the main clause with a subordinating conjunction or punctuation mark. Some subordinate conjunctions, like “after” and “before,” also function as prepositions. You can also use relative pronouns, such as “who” or “which,” to connect clauses.

Examples of complex sentences include:

1. 1. “Due to her unrelenting work ethic, she had risen to the status of a top chef.” This sentence uses the subordinating conjunction phrase “due to” to connect the dependent clause, placed in front, to the independent clause.
2. 2. “There is going to be widespread damage unless they can get a handle on the infestation.” In this sentence, the subordinating conjunction is “unless,” and because the subordinate clause comes second, there is no need for a comma.
3. 3. “Stacey, who was in my high school English class, has always kept in touch.” In this example of a complex sentence, “Stacey has always kept in touch” is the independent clause, and the relative pronoun “who” introduces the dependent clause “who was in my high school English class.”

The basic unit of written English is the complete sentence. A complete, simple sentence will express a single idea, using a subject and a predicate. To connect more than one idea within a single sentence, you can write a complex sentence. Follow these tips when creating a complex sentence:

1. 1. Aim for clarity. The use of complex sentences allows for greater detail, but complexity isn’t a virtue in its own right. Start with your main idea, expressed in your main clause, and use your subordinate clauses and conjunctions to make it more clear and impactful to your readers.
2. 2. Beware of the run-on sentence. Complex sentences can easily become too complex, and if you’re not careful, you might find yourself adding clauses to the point of excess, which will confuse your reader and make for inelegant writing.
3. 3. Add an adverbial clause. An adverb clause can add an element of interest to your sentence by providing additional information about a verb, adjective, or another adverb. For example, “He continued sprinting until he crossed the finish line.” Here, “until he crossed the finish line” is a subordinating clause, specifically an adverb clause.

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