Complex Sentences
English Language: KS3, topic 3.8.5
Complex Sentences
The other type of sentence you need to know is called a complex sentence. This is how you make a complex sentence...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Complex Sentences
How do you Make a Complex Sentence?
What is the grammatical term for a clause that does not make sense by itself?
Which part of this sentence is the independent clause?
Although I was late, my teacher was in a good mood.Which of these are complex sentences?
What is a complex sentence?