Complex Sentence

A brief introduction to the main components of a sentence 

To form a complete sentence that is meaningful and easy to understand, you need to include specific components without a miss. If any component is not present, it will result in a meaningless and incomplete sentence. We will briefly introduce you to these crucial parts that form a proper sentence. 

1. Subject: It is the main component around which the sentence is formed. It can be a place, someone’s name, abstract nouns, pronouns, and so on. A subject cannot be repeated in a sentence, or you cannot mention the subjects more than once. 
2. Verb: This can be a single word or a phrase that defines an action committed. It connects the subject and object while describing the event correctly. 
3. The object refers to the receiver of the action. It explains what’s being done, how it’s being done, impacts, and more. It is added to support the subject and describe the event clearly. 

Types of sentence structures used in grammar

There are three types of sentence structures used in grammar, whether for academic or business purposes. These are: 

• Simple sentence: A subject is always followed by a verb in a simple sentence. It may or may not have an object. For example, “She plays” is a simple sentence where ‘she’ is the subject, and ‘plays’ is the verb.
• Complex sentence: In a complex sentence, there will be one independent and one dependent clause at least. “She was a bit late when she managed to board the bus on time” is a complex sentence. Here, ‘she was a bit late’ is an independent clause while the rest is dependent. 
• Compound sentence: In a compound sentence, there will be two independent clauses at the least, and they must be joined with a conjunction. “Australia is a beautiful country and has vast natural reserves”. Here ‘Australia is a beautiful country’ and ‘it has vast natural reserves are independent clauses joined by the conjunction ‘and’. 

What are complex sentences? 

Now that you know the simple, compound and complex sentences, it’s time to focus on the complex sentences. 

There must be one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses in a complex sentence. Both the parts need to be connected with subordinating conjunction that’s quite different from the regular ones used. 

Parts of a complex sentence 

• Independent clauses

You can write complex sentences with an independent clause as the main subject. Independent clauses are complete sentences in themselves and make meaningful sense. They aren’t dependent on others to denote the purpose of the sentence. 

• Dependent clauses

Out of the simple compound-complex sentences, the dependent clauses are used in the complex ones. It’s a phrase whose meaning is derived from the independent clause or another dependent clause. If used standalone, it won’t make proper sense. 

• Subordinating conjunction

Subjugation conjunctions join the independent and dependent clauses and create a relation between them. Without it, the entire sentence won’t make any sense. Also, with conjunctions, you can couple three or more clauses together in a single sentence. 

Examples of complex sentences and their explanations

Even though simple compound-complex sentences are all used in grammar, it’s challenging to write or identify complex ones because of their similarity to the compound structures. That’s why here we have explained a few examples to help you understand how complex sentences are structured. 

Example 1:

“He was trying to open his umbrella when it rained.”

Here, the independent clause is ‘He was trying to open his umbrella’, which makes sense on its own. The dependent clause is ‘when it rained’, which won’t convey proper meaning if used standalone. Both the clauses are joined by the subjugating conjunction ‘because’. 

Example 2:

“While walking along the lanes, he was mesmerized with the Christmas decorations and lights.”

In this sentence, the independent clause is ‘he was mesmerized with the Christmas decorations and lights while the dependent clause is ‘while walking along the lanes’. Here, no subjugating conjunction has been used. 

How to write complex sentences correctly?

If you follow the simple compound and complex sentences worksheet, you will realize it’s pretty challenging to write sentences with complex structures. There are specific rules needed to be followed to form the perfect structure flawlessly. 

1. An independent clause should have its subject, verb, and object in a meaningful manner. It should act as the main focus of the entire sentence. 
2. Joining phrases and words should be present at the beginning, middle, or end of the entire complex sentence. It can be a conjunction, a relative pronoun, or phrasal verb. 
3. Lastly, you need a dependent clause where extended information will be stated. It will support the independent clause or serve as an additional part. 

Simple VS complex VS compound sentences 

Conclusion 

Sentences are of three types- simple, complex and compound sentences. Complex sentences have one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. These types of sentences are very common in daily write-ups and conversations. One must be thorough with the rules of grammar to use these sentences correctly.