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Complex Sentences

What is a Complex Sentence ?​

A complex sentence is one which consists of at least a minimum of one dependent clause and 
one independent clause, connected by a subordinating conjunction.

Subordinating Conjunctions​

  • Subordinating conjunctions are used to join two grammatically unequal sentences.
  • These conjunctions link an independent clause with a dependent (subordinate) clause.
  • In other words, a sentence without a conjunction (independent clause) can stand alone, while subordinate clause/dependent clause cannot.
  • They indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, time, condition, or contrast.
Example

I don’t like chocolate because it’s too sweet.

This sentence is made up of two clauses, “I don’t like chocolate.” And “it’s too sweet.”, both joined by the subordinating conjunction “because”.
Second part "it's too sweet" is a subordinate/dependent clause and it cannot be used alone as it will not convey a correct meaning without first part.

One more example:

We will go for ice cream if I come early.

Here two clauses are, “We will go for ice cream.” And “I come early.”, both joined by the subordinating conjunction “if”.

Complex Sentence Structure​

A subordinate clause can come after or before a main clause. Thus, two structures are possible:

Independent clause + conjunction + subordinate clause

Ram went swimming although it was raining.

Conjunction + subordinate clause + , + independent clause

Although it was raining, Ram went swimming.

List of Subordinating Conjunctions​

Here are some common subordinating conjunctions:
after, although, as, because, before, how, if, once, since, than, that, though, till, until, when, where, whether, while.

  • They indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, time, condition, or contrast.

Cause and effect​

The word because is a commonly used subordinating conjunction that is used to show cause and effect.

Example

I didn’t answer your message(effect) because I was busy (cause).
He arrived late in the party (effect) because he was stuck in the traffic (cause).

Time​

Subordinating conjunctions are often used to connect sentences that explain relationships based on time.

Example

He read the newspaper after he finished his breakfast.
Dave double checked his answers before he submitted his paper.