Exploring
Complex
Sentences
Today, you’ll learn how to:
Write a complex sentence
Recognise the main
Define a complex using punctuations,
clause and
sentence subordinating conjunctions
dependent clause in
and coordinating
a complex sentence.
conjunctions
What is a
Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence is a type of sentence that
contains one main clause (also known as
independent clause) and at least one dependent
clause (also known as subordinate clause).
Note that a clause is a
group of words with a
subject and a predicate.
main clause
It is a clause that gives a complete thought.
Example: The main clause is:
I am going to read a “I am going to
book when I get home. read a book”
Dependent Clause
It is a group of words that contains a subject and
verb but does not express a complete thought.
Example: The dependent clause is:
I am going to read a
“when I get home”
book when I get home.
Types of dependent clause
Relative Clause Example:
Gives additional detail to the noun. Mia, who was 20 minutes early,
brought snacks for everyone.
Adverbial Clause Example:
Gives information about when, where, how, why After school, my friends and I
or conditions to the main clause. went to the nearby bookstore.
Noun Clause Example:
A clause that can be a subject, object or His belief that hard work pays
identifier of the main clause. off is inspiring.
Main and dependent clauses
An independent clause will make
sense as a sentence, while a
dependent clause will not.
Where’s the dependent clause?
Let’s identify the dependent clause and its type!
In the room, Stella was sleeping soundly.
Relative Adverbial Noun
Let’s Check!
Where’s the dependent clause?
Let’s identify the dependent clause and its type!
In the room, Stella was sleeping soundly.
Relative Adverbial Noun
Where’s the dependent clause?
Let’s identify the dependent clause and its type!
My neighbor, who loves cats, is a doctor.
Relative Adverbial Noun
Let’s Check!
Where’s the dependent clause?
Let’s identify the dependent clause and its type!
My neighbor, who loves cats, is a doctor.
Relative Adverbial Noun
Writing complex sentences
Punctuations, subordinating
conjunctions and coordinating
conjunctions help make complex
sentences clear and easy to
understand.
punctuations
Punctuation marks guide the flow and
meaning of complex sentences.
Some common punctuations are:
Period Semicolon Comma
Subordinating conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can help us connect the
dependent clause(subordinate clause) to the main
clause.
Some of these subordinate
conjunctions are:
because where
while though
when before
rather after
coordinating conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions can also help in
writing complex sentences by connecting
two or more main clauses.
Coordinating conjunctions are:
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
The acronym FANBOYS can be used to help us
remember the coordinating conjunctions.
challenge yourself!
What dependent clause can you add to complete each
main clause with a given subordinate conjunction?
Sky was so excited. because
We will go to the park. or
Let’s Check!
challenge yourself!
What dependent clause can you add to complete each
main clause with a given subordinate conjunction?
Sky was so excited. because
Sky was so excited because she wants to get a slice of the cake.
We will go to the park. or
We will go to the park or we will eat lunch first.
Summary: Parts of a sentence
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is a type of sentence that contains one
main clause and at least one dependent clause.
Main Clause Dependent Clause
It is a group of words that contains a
It is a clause that can stand alone
subject and verb but does not express a
to create a sentence.
complete thought.
Example: I am going to read a book.
Example: when I get home.
Summary: Complex sentences
Writing complex sentences
Punctuations, subordinating conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions
help make complex sentences clear and easy to understand.
Subordinating Coordinating
Punctuations
Conjunctions Conjunctions
They connect the
They connect the two or
Punctuation marks guide dependent clause to the
more main clauses. Some
the flow and meaning of main clause. Some
examples are for, nor and
complex sentences. examples are because,
but.
while, when and rather.
