Complex Sentences with Examples

Introduction:

A complex sentence is a sentence in which one independent (main) clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. Its use is best when there is a need to give more information to describe or modify the main point of the sentence. Complex sentences can easily be spotted as they often use subordinating conjunctions like since, because, or until to connect different clauses.

There are four types of sentences (simple, complex, compound, and compound-complex), and complex sentences are one of them. They can be identified easily as they have a dependent clause; merely complex sentences and complex-compound sentences have them.

Independent vs. Dependent Clauses:

If you want to use complex sentences in your writing, you need to understand first the difference between independent and dependent clauses. Generally, independent clauses are complete sentences and have a complete idea on their own, but dependent clauses are not.

Subordinating conjunctions are always used at the start of dependent clauses. Consequently, independent clauses turn into dependent ones with the help of these subordinating conjunctions. You’re possibly already aware of some basic subordinating conjunctions, like because, since, but, if, when, even though, until, in case, while, now that, and uses of the prepositions before and after.

 

How to make complex sentences?

In general, though conditional sentences are difficult, complex sentences have easy grammar rules. As long as you’re using the right subordinate conjunction, the use of commas in complex sentences is much more important.

The use of comma depends on which clause comes first:

• If the dependent clause uses first, put a comma in front of the independent clause.
• If the independent clause uses first, no need to put a comma.

Here we have a couple of complex sentence examples to explain:

• When Thane attacked the Soil, where were the Eternals?
• Where were the Eternals when Thane attacked the Soil?

Example Sentences:

1. The town is very large (Main Clause) in which I live (Subordinate Clause).
2. I went (Main Clause) because I was invited (Subordinate Clause).
3. I returned (Main Clause) home because I was tired (Subordinate Clause).
4. They always talk (Main Clause) who never think.
5. He came oftener (Main Clause) than we expected.
6. A guest is unwelcome (Main Clause) when he stays too long.
7. Whatever you do, do well (Main Clause).
8. Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise (Main Clause).
9. They serve God well (Main Clause) who serve His creatures.
10. Quarrels would not last long (Main Clause) if the fault were only on one side.
11. He trudged on (Main Clause), though he was very tired.
12. There was one philosopher (Main Clause) who chose to live in a tub.
13. Tell me the news (Main Clause) as you have heard.
14. He has none to lose (Main Clause) that has the most time.
15. Everything comes (Main Clause), if a man will only work and wait.
16. My heart leaps up (Main Clause) when I behold A rainbow in the sky.

 

In the sentences given below, the Object of a transitive verb is the Noun Clause:

17. He says that he won’t drive.
18. I expected that it was correct.
19. She refused that she had written the message.
20. I cannot express what has become of him.
21. I do not know when I shall be back.
22. I inquired the girl how old she was.
23. Tell me why you did this with him.
24. Tell me where you work.
25. No one recognizes who he is.

In the sentences given below, an intransitive verb construction comes earlier than the Noun Clause:

26. The child was scared that he would slip down.
27. All of us are hoping that you should pass.
28. They felt apologetic that they lost the competition.
29. The patient was confident that he would improve.
30. She did not seem confident that he would reach her.