A complex sentence is formed by adding one or more subordinate (dependent) clauses to the main (independent) clause using conjunctions and/or relative pronouns.

 

• A clause is a simple sentence.

• Simple sentences contain only one clause (verb group).

• Complex sentences contain more than one clause (verb group).

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Constructing Complex Sentences

Complex sentences result when other more sophisticated devices are used to join clauses; this means a subordinate (dependent) clause is joined with a main (or independent) clause.

Three main ways to join clauses:

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1. Relative pronouns – that, which, who, whose.

 

2. Conjunctions (subordinating) – while, because, although, as, when, until, unless, through, by, since, whenever, if, where, before, etc. 

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3. Conjunctive Adverbs - make up an even stronger category of conjunctions. They show logical relationships between two independent sentences, between sections of paragraphs, or between entire paragraphs. Conjunctive adverbs are so emphatic that they should be used sparingly; however, when used appropriately, they can be quite effective.

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