Examples Of Complex Sentences

What do we do if we want to convey more than one idea in a sentence in a very clear and specific way? We use complex sentences. In English, complex sentences are one of the four known sentence structures. When a sentence contains one independent clause and is joined by one or more dependent or subordinate clauses, it is called a complex sentence. A dependent or subordinate clause is one which cannot convey the complete thought without the help of an independent clause. In a complex sentence, the most important idea is mentioned in the independent clause while the subordinate or supporting idea is presented in the dependent clause. Subordinators such as after, although, because, since, though, while, when, whenever, if, during, since, until, unless, where, and relative pronouns such as that, who, or which etc are used in a complex sentence to join these independent and dependent clauses. Read on to know more about complex sentences and their examples.

Complex Sentence Examples

A complex sentence conveys a thought more effectively as compared to a compound sentence, by making the relationship between the main parts of the sentence clear and specific. Here are some examples of complex sentences,

I went to office after my daughter’s admission procedures were over. (Dependent clause: After my daughter’s admission procedures were over; Independent clause: I went to office).
Juan and Maria went to the movies after they finished studying. (Dependent clause: After they finished studying; Independent clause: Juan and Maria went to the movies).
While he waited at the train station, Joe realized that the train was late. (Dependent Clause: While he waited at the train station; Independent Clause: Joe realized that the train was late).
Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon, I did not see them at the station. (Dependent Clause: Because Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station before noon; Independent Clause: I did not see them at the station).
After I came home, I made dinner. (Dependent clause: After I came home; Independent clause: I made dinner)
We visited the museum before it closed (Dependent clause: before it closed; Independent clause: We visited the museum).
After they left on the bus, Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station. (Dependent Clause: After they left on the bus; Independent clause: Mary and Samantha realized that Joe was waiting at the train station).

When a complex sentence begins with a subordinator, a comma needs to be put at the end of dependent clause. This comma is taken as a slight pause. If the subordinators are placed in the middle of the sentence, no comma is required. Putting comma before the subordinators in this case is a wrong usage.

Other Examples Of Complex Sentences

The students are studying because they have a test tomorrow.
When he handed his homework, he forgot to give the teacher the last page.
The teacher returned the homework after she noticed the error.
There are dreams that cannot die.
The house which Abraham Lincoln was born in is still standing.
The expert who examined this scroll said that it was more than one thousand years old.
My friend invited me to a party but I do not want to go.
Writing evolved when picture symbols changed to letters.
Unless you read hard, you will fail.
As he was industrious, he came out successful.
Although my friend invited me to a party, I do not want to go.
Because the soup was too cold, I warmed it in the microwave.
Consumers buy fewer goods when prices rise.
The woman who called my mom sells cosmetics.
The book that Jonathan read is on the shelf.
The town where I grew up is in the United States.
Because it was expensive, we were not able to buy the necklace.
The player, who ran the wrong way, misunderstood the signal.
A boy who is diligent is sure to succeed in life.

Those complex sentences which begin with a dependent clause and end with an independent clause are known as periodic sentences. They are more effective in conveying the thought as the first part of the sentence forms the meaning which becomes complete by the end.

Though he was poor, he was honest.
Rich as he was, he was still unhappy.
The music, though quite long, was absorbing.

In complex sentences, the readers may get confused as to which idea is more vital. In the sentence, ‘Though my friend invited me to the party, i did not go’, by using ‘though’ in the beginning of the sentence, you are making it clear that the fact that your friend invited you is less significant than the fact that you do not want to attend the said party.

Getting familiarised with the complex sentences is exciting as well as challenging. Hope the above article readied you up for the task!

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