Complex sentences
10.18.10
Why use complex sentences?
• Help show different kinds of connections
• Make your writing sounds better.
• Make you a better writer
Compound sentences Complex sentences
Uses independent clauses
Uses dependent and independent clauses
Uses conjunctions Uses subordinating conjunctions
Combines two separate things
Explains how one thing is related to another
How are complex sentences different from compound
sentences?
Complex sentences explain
• how things are connected
• or how one thing is related another
Independent clauses and dependent clauses
• Independent clause: a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.
• Dependent clause: a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence.
Example
1. Because the Atlantis is equipped for research, it carries a submersible called Alvin.
2. Alvin is a white and orange sub that is used to explore underwater mountains.
Dependent clause Independent clause
1 Because the Atlantis is equipped for research,
it carries a submersible called Alvin.
Independent clause Dependent clause
2 Alvin is a white and orange sub
that is used to explore underwater mountains.
Subordinating conjunctions
Time Cause-Effect Comparison-Contrast
After, until, before, when, till, while
Because, so that, in order that, provided that, unless, that
Though, although, where, as though, where as, even though