You frame a complex sentence by combining one independent clause with one or more subordinate clauses.
Understanding Complex Sentences
A complex sentence is a sentence structure that allows writers to show relationships between ideas, such as cause and effect, contrast, or time. According to the provided reference, a complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
Let's break down these components:
- Independent Clause: This is a complete sentence on its own. It contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought.
- Example: I went to the store. (Subject: I, Predicate: went to the store)
- Subordinate Clause (or Dependent Clause): This clause also contains a subject and a predicate but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on the independent clause for its meaning. Subordinate clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions (like because, although, when, if, since) or relative pronouns (like who, which, that).
- Example: because I needed milk. (Subject: I, Predicate: needed milk - but "because I needed milk" is not a complete thought)
How to Frame Them: Combining Clauses
The primary method to frame a complex sentence is by joining an independent clause with one or more subordinate clauses.
Method: Combining Simple Sentences
One practical way, as highlighted in the reference, is to combine two simple sentences by turning one into a subordinate clause.
- Start with two simple sentences:
- Sentence 1: The dog barked. (Independent clause)
- Sentence 2: A stranger walked by. (Independent clause)
- Choose one sentence to become the subordinate clause. Let's choose "A stranger walked by."
- Add a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun to the chosen sentence. For example, add when: when a stranger walked by. This is now a subordinate clause.
- Combine the independent clause and the new subordinate clause.
- The dog barked when a stranger walked by.
This creates a complex sentence. The independent clause (The dog barked) can stand alone, while the subordinate clause (when a stranger walked by) adds extra information and clarifies when the dog barked.
Connectors for Subordinate Clauses
Choosing the right connector is crucial for showing the relationship between the clauses.
Here are some common connectors used to introduce subordinate clauses:
| Subordinating Conjunctions | Relative Pronouns |
|---|---|
| after | who |
| although | whom |
| as | whose |
| because | which |
| before | that |
| if | where |
| since | when |
| unless | why |
| until | |
| when | |
| whenever | |
| while |
You can place the subordinate clause before or after the independent clause. Punctuation (usually a comma) is often needed when the subordinate clause comes first.
Examples of Complex Sentences
Here are a few examples illustrating how different clauses are combined:
- Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (Subordinate clause first, followed by independent)
- She bought the car that was on sale. (Independent clause first, followed by subordinate)
- I waited for my friend until the bus arrived. (Independent clause first, followed by subordinate)
- Although he was tired, he finished the work. (Subordinate clause first, followed by independent)
By understanding the role of independent and subordinate clauses and using appropriate connectors, you can effectively frame complex sentences to add depth and detail to your writing.
