Grammar: Complex Sentences

 

Complex Sentences

 

1.   A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

 

2.   Example:

I made my mother smiled when I made the dinner

 I made my mother smiled – independent clause

when I made the dinner – dependant clause

when – subordinating conjunction

 

3.   Subordinating Conjunctions

In these examples, the dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions or subordinators. Subordinators are conjunctions that indicate the subordinate or dependent role of the clause in the sentence.

The following words are some examples of subordinating conjunctions:

  • although
  • because
  • since
  • unless
  • when
  • whereas
  • which
  • while
  • who
  • whoever
  • whose

This is by no means a complete list.


4.   Exercise:

The following sentences are complex sentences. Identify the independent clauses (IC), dependant clauses (D) and the subordinating conjunctions (S).

1.      Although Denise had some doubts, she found the courses very useful.

2.      Computers have come a long way since they first came on the market.

3.      When the food arrived, the children ate everything,

4.      Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave.

5.      Although he was wealthy, he was still unhappy.

6.      She returned the computer after she noticed it was damaged.

7.      Whenever prices go up, customers buy fewer products.

Answers

1.      Although Denise had some doubts – [IC]

she found the courses very useful – [D]

Although – [S]

2.      Computers have come a long way – [IC]

 since they first came on the market – [D]

since – [S]

3.      When the food arrived –  [IC]

 the children ate everything – [D]

When – [S]

4.      Because my coffee was too cold – [D]

I heated it in the microwave – [IC]

Because – [S]

5.      Although he was wealthy - [D]

he was still unhappy – [IC]

Although – [S]

6.      She returned the computer – [IC]

after she noticed it was damaged – [D]

after – [S]

7.      Whenever prices go up – [D]

customers buy fewer products – [IC]

Whenever – [S]

 

 

 

 

 

 

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