What are Complex Sentences?
A complex sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause. Independent clauses can function as a complete sentence, while dependent clauses cannot. A dependent clause in a complex sentence must contain a subordinating conjunction. There are two ways to structure a complex sentence: beginning with the independent clause and beginning with the dependent clause.
Beginning a sentence with an independent clause
A complex sentence that begins with its independent clause requires a subordinating conjunction but not a comma.
- Complex sentence: Nick watched cartoons after he did his homework.
- Independent clause: Nick watched cartoons
- Dependent clause: after he did his homework
In the above example, the dependent clause contains the subordinating conjunction after.
Beginning a sentence with a dependent clause
A complex sentence that begins with its dependent clause requires both a subordinating conjunction and a comma. The subordinating conjunction will appear at the beginning of the dependent clause, and the comma will separate the two clauses.
- Complex sentence: After he did his homework, Nick watched cartoons.
- Dependent clause: After he did his homework
- Independent clause: Nick watched cartoons
In the above example, the comma separates the dependent clause After he did his homework from the independent clause Nick watched cartoons.
Subordinating conjunctions
There are many subordinating conjunctions. Here is a list of some common ones:
- Although
- After
- Because
- Before
- Even though
- Even if
- In case
- Since
- Unless
- While
The subordinating conjunction determines what the relationship is between the independent clause and the dependent clause.
- Example: Nick watched cartoons after he did his homework.
- Example: Nick watched cartoons before he did his homework.
Notice how in the examples above, the subordinating conjunction changes the meaning of the sentence.
