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Introduction to Complex Sentences
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
The independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence, while the dependent clause provides additional information but cannot stand alone.
Characteristics of Complex Sentences
    Combination of Clauses:
  • A complex sentence consists of one independent clause connected to one or more dependent clauses.
    Use of Subordinating Conjunctions:
  • Dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, since, when, while, and if.
    Variety in Sentence Structure:
  • Complex sentences allow for a range of expression, making writing more engaging by combining related ideas.
Simple, Compound, and Complex
1. Simple Sentences:
A simple sentence contains one independent clause and no dependent clauses.
    Examples
  • She enjoys reading.
2. Compound Sentences:
A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
    Examples
  • She enjoys reading, and he likes writing.
3. Complex Sentences:
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
    Examples
  • Although she enjoys reading, she doesn't have much time for it.
Structure of Complex Sentences
1. Independent Clauses
An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.
    Examples
  • She loves to dance. (complete thought)
  • The sun set behind the mountains. (complete thought)
2. Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, contains a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause to provide context and meaning.
    Examples
  • Because she loves to dance (incomplete thought, needs an independent clause).
  • Although it was raining (incomplete thought, needs an independent clause).
3. Combining Clauses in Complex Sentences
A complex sentence is formed by combining an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses using subordinating conjunctions.
    Examples
  • She loves to dance because it makes her feel happy.
  • Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
Independent Clauses

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

Definition:
An independent clause can function on its own and does not rely on any other clauses for its meaning.
    Examples
  • The dog barked loudly. (complete thought)
  • She finished her homework. (complete thought)
Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, contains a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause to provide context and meaning.

1. Adverbial Clauses
An adverbial clause modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb and provides information about time, place, condition, reason, or contrast.
    Examples
  • Time: "We left when the rain stopped."
  • Condition: "If it rains, we will stay inside."
  • Reason: "She was happy because she passed the exam."
2. Adjective Clauses
An adjective clause (or relative clause) modifies a noun or pronoun by providing more information about it. These clauses often begin with relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, or that.
    Examples
  • The book that I borrowed is fascinating.
  • She is the teacher who helped me the most.
3. Noun Clauses
A noun clause functions as a noun within the sentence. It can serve as a subject, object, or complement.
    Examples
  • Subject: "What you said is true."
  • Object: "I believe that he will come."
  • Complement: "The truth is that she was right."