Complex Sentences: Adding Layers to Your Writing
What are complex sentences?
A complex sentence is made up of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Think of it like a main idea (the independent clause) with extra details (the dependent clauses) to make your writing more interesting and informative.
Independent vs. Dependent Clauses
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Independent Clause: Can stand alone as a complete sentence. It has a subject and a verb.
- Example: The sun shines.
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Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It also has a subject and a verb, but it needs the independent clause to make sense.
- Example: because it is warm
Joining Clauses with Subordinating Conjunctions
We use subordinating conjunctions to connect the independent and dependent clauses in a complex sentence.
- Examples of subordinating conjunctions:
- Time: after, before, when, while, until
- Cause and Effect: because, since, as, so that
- Contrast: although, even though, while, whereas
- Condition: if, unless
Examples of Complex Sentences:
- Time: I went for a walk after I finished my work.
- Cause and Effect: She was happy because she passed the test.
- Contrast: Although it was raining, we went to the park.
- Condition: We can go to the beach if the weather is nice.
Let’s Practice!
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Identify the Clauses: In the following complex sentences, underline the independent clause once and the dependent clause twice:
- When I woke up, the sun was shining.
- He didn’t go to school because he was sick.
- The dog barked while the cat slept.
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Combine Sentences: Combine each pair of sentences into one complex sentence using a subordinating conjunction:
- She studied hard. She wanted to get a good grade.
- It was a beautiful day. We decided to have a picnic.
- The movie started. We ate popcorn.
Challenge!
Write a short story about your dream vacation. Use at least 3 complex sentences in your story!
