3.8.5

Complex Sentences

Test yourself

Complex Sentences

The other type of sentence you need to know is called a complex sentence. This is how you make a complex sentence...

Illustrative background for 1) Start with a simple sentenceIllustrative background for 1) Start with a simple sentence ?? "content

1) Start with a simple sentence

  • Simple sentence - I heated my food in the microwave.
    • This simple sentence is also called an independent clause. It's called an independent clause because it's a sentence that makes sense by itself.
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2) Add a dependent clause

  • A dependent clause is a clause that does NOT make sense by itself. It's called a dependent clause because it depends on another clause to make sense.
  • We will add a dependent clause on the next slide...
Illustrative background for Dependent clause, then a simple sentenceIllustrative background for Dependent clause, then a simple sentence ?? "content

Dependent clause, then a simple sentence

  • Because it was cold, I heated my food in the microwave.
    • The clause in bold is the dependent clause. The clause does not make sense by itself - we need more information to understand what's going on.
    • This is now a complex sentence.
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Definition of a complex sentence

  • So a complex sentence is a sentence that contains an independent clause and at least 1 dependent clause.

Examples of Complex Sentences

You have already learned how to make a complex sentence. Remember - a complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least 1 dependent clause. Let's now look at some more examples of complex sentences...

Illustrative background for Sentence about being lateIllustrative background for Sentence about being late ?? "content

Sentence about being late

  • Although I left the house earlier than normal, I was late for school.
    • The first part of the sentence is the dependent clause.
    • The second part of the sentence is the independent clause.
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Sentence about a storm

  • After the storm hit, the town was ruined.
    • The first part of the sentence in bold is the dependent clause.
    • The second part of the sentence is the independent clause.
Illustrative background for Sentence about a ballerinaIllustrative background for Sentence about a ballerina ?? "content

Sentence about a ballerina

  • Jemima went to ballet class, even though she could not find her shoes.
    • The first part of the sentence is the independent clause.
    • The second part of the sentence in bold is the dependent clause.
Illustrative background for Sentence about playing basketballIllustrative background for Sentence about playing basketball ?? "content

Sentence about playing basketball

  • Now that he is so tall, James is good at basketball.
    • The first part of the sentence in bold is the dependent clause.
    • The second part of the sentence is the independent clause.
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Sentence about rain

  • Since it is raining, I will not go outside.
    • The first part of the sentence in bold is the dependent clause.
    • The second part of the sentence is the independent clause.

Jump to other topics

1Spelling

2Punctuation

3Grammar

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