Complex sentence
A complex sentence is a sentence with an independent clause and at least one dependent clause (subordinating clause). The dependent clause is introduced by either a subordinate conjunction such as although, while or because or a relative pronoun such as who or which.
Examples
- When I saw what you had done, I was happy.
- Independent clause: I was sad"
- Dependent clause: When I saw what you had done
- That you love me makes me happy.
- A complex sentence with a sub-clause functioning as a subject.
- Independent clause: (subject) makes me happy.
- Dependent clause: That you love me (acting as the subject)
- It makes me happy that you love me.
- A clefted complex sentence with a sub-clause indicating what the dummy pronoun "It" refers to.
- Independent clause: It makes me happy.
- Dependent clause: that you love me
- The worksheet is where you have put it.
- A complex sentence with a sub-clause functioning as subject complement. "Be" is a copula verb; it links the sub-clause to the subject.
- Independent clause: The worksheet is (complement).
- Dependent clause: where you have put it (acting as the complement)
- Some voters want special consideration that accounts for their handicaps.
- This complex sentence's subordinate clause is offset by a relative pronoun rather than by a subordinating conjunction. "That" serves a nominal function and serves as a substitute for the noun "consideration" in the independent clause.
- Independent clause: Some voters want special consideration
- Dependent clause: that accounts for their handicaps (modifies the noun in the independent clause)