Complex sentences are sentences that contain an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. An independent clause is a complete sentence that can stand alone, expressing a complete thought and containing a subject and a predicate. On the other hand, a dependent clause does not express a complete thought and relies on the independent clause for its meaning.
Complex sentences are formed by combining an independent clause with a dependent clause using subordinating conjunctions such as “although,” “because,” “when,” “while,” “if,” and “since,” among others. These subordinating conjunctions establish a relationship between the independent and dependent clauses, indicating the nature of their connection.
Independent and Dependent Clauses
Independent clauses and dependent clauses are two types of clauses found in complex and compound sentences. Here’s an explanation of each:
Independent Clauses:
An independent clause is a type of clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought and contains a subject and a predicate.
Example: “She went to the store.”
In this example, “She went to the store” is an independent clause because it forms a complete sentence on its own. It expresses a complete thought and contains a subject (“she”) and a predicate (“went to the store”).
Dependent Clauses:
A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning. It does not express a complete thought.
Example: “Because it was raining.”
In this example, “Because it was raining” is a dependent clause. It cannot function as a standalone sentence because it doesn’t express a complete thought. It depends on another clause to complete its meaning.
When an independent clause and a dependent clause are combined, they form a complex sentence. The dependent clause adds additional information, context, or conditions to the independent clause. Here’s an example of a complex sentence:
“Because it was raining, she took an umbrella.”
Independent clause: “She took an umbrella.”
Dependent clause: “Because it was raining.”
In this complex sentence, the dependent clause “Because it was raining” provides the reason or context for the action described in the independent clause “She took an umbrella.”
Examples of Complex Sentences:
Here are some additional examples of complex sentences:
- “After I finish my work, I will go to the gym.”
Independent clause: “I will go to the gym.”
Dependent clause: “After I finish my work.”
- “Although she studied hard, she didn’t pass the exam.”
Independent clause: “She didn’t pass the exam.”
Dependent clause: “Although she studied hard.”
- “He went to the store because he needed to buy some groceries.”
Independent clause: “He went to the store.”
Dependent clause: “Because he needed to buy some groceries.”
- “I will help you with your project if you need assistance.”
Independent clause: “I will help you with your project.”
Dependent clause: “if you need assistance.”
- “She sings beautifully whenever she’s on stage.”
Independent clause: “She sings beautifully.”
Dependent clause: “Whenever she’s on stage.”
- “Since it was a holiday, we decided to go on a vacation.”
Independent clause: “We decided to go on a vacation.”
Dependent clause: “Since it was a holiday.”
- “Even though it was late, they continued their discussion.”
Independent clause: “They continued their discussion.”
Dependent clause: “Even though it was late.”
- “I’ll wait here until you come back.”
Independent clause: “I’ll wait here.”
Dependent clause: “Until you come back.”
These examples demonstrate the use of subordinating conjunctions to connect the independent and dependent clauses, indicating the relationship between the ideas expressed in each clause.
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