Complex Sentences
What are complex sentences? Complex Sentences contain one independent clause and one dependent clause. Example: I love this class because I like to study grammar.
Because you love me, I love you. Complex sentence Dependent clause Because you love me, I love you. Independent clause A dependent clause joined to an independent clause. (The dependent clause needs the rest of the sentence for support.) ***How does this graphic symbolically represent a complex sentence?
Formulas D = dependent clause (not a complete sentence) I = independent clause (a complete sentence) _________= When I get to Phoenix, you will be sleeping. _________ = The players went out for pizza after they practiced. [ ] Dependent Independent D,I Independent Dependent [ ] I D
Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone. Fragment! Because you love me. A dependent clause contains a subject and verb, but it begins with a subordinating conjunction. It does not express a complete thought. Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone.
Punctuation Tip Since dependent clauses are only part of a sentence, you can never connect them to another sentence with a semicolon. Semicolons are only used between two independent clauses. I have loved you for years ; although I never admitted it. I have loved you for years, although I never admitted it. No! OK
Write some complex sentences of your own using the subordinating conjunctions provided: Because I love the beach, I go there every summer. Although I got sunburned, I still had a great time. I always take a lot of pictures unless my camera is broken. We always collect seashells before we leave. NOTICE: The comma is only used when the dependent clause is first.
REVIEW F or Simple Sentences Compound Sentences A nd SV I ; I N or SSV I , c I B ut SVV O r SSVV Y et S o C = coordinating conjunction
Summary Complex sentences are formed by using a subordinating conjunction to combine an independent clause and a dependent clause.