Writing Complex Sentences

Independent and Dependent Clauses

An independent clause contains a subject, verb, and makes sense when it stands by itself.

o The child’s endless crying is very disturbing to her parents.

o Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections happen frequently in the winter and cause absences from work.

o James got a cup of coffee and turned on his computer.

Independent and Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause contains a subject(s) and verb(s), but it does not make sense when it stands by itself because it begins with a subordinating conjunction that is supposed to join it to an independent clause.

o Because she has had a terrible cold all week

o When I got to the office and checked my email this morning

o After Maria and Hector waited for an hour in the doctor’s office

The Simple Sentence

o A simple sentence is one independent clause.

o An independent clause ends with a period or semicolon.

The Compound Sentence

A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences joined by one of the following:

o A comma and a coordinating conjunction

o A semicolon

o A semicolon and a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression

Coordinating Conjunctions

Remember the coordinating conjunctions by the acronym:

FANBOYS

F forA andN nor B but O orY yet S so

Conjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Expressions

A conjunctive adverb is a word that connects two independent clauses and shows the relationship between the ideas.o I wanted to cash my check; unfortunately, the

bank was closed.

A transitional expression is a phrase that shows that relationship.o I could use a job; on the other hand, I like

having free time.

Examples of Compound Sentences

o A comma and a coordinating conjunction:I like to study grammar, and I love this class.

o A semicolon:I like to study grammar; I love this class.

o A semicolon and a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression:I like to study grammar; therefore, I love

this class.

The Complex Sentence

o A complex sentence is a complete thought (independent clause) to which an incomplete thought (dependent clause) has been added.

o A coordinating conjunction joins the dependent clause to the independent clause.

oBecause I like to study grammar, I love this class.

o I love this class because I like to study grammar.

The dependent clause needs the rest of the sentence for support.

Because you love me, I love you.

Dependent clause

Independent clause

Complex Sentence

A dependent clause contains a subject and verb.

*It does not express a complete thought because it begins with a subordinating conjunction.

A dependent clause is also called a subordinate clause.

*Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone.

Because you love me.

Fragment!

Dependent Clause

Punctuation for Complex Sentences

Commas are used to join a dependent clause to an independent clause if the dependent clause comes first in the sentence. The comma must follow the dependent clause.

As I walked down the hallway, I could hear the echo of my footsteps.

Punctuation for Complex Sentences

No comma is used when the dependent clause comes after the independent clause. Then, the clauses are joined without any punctuation.

o I could hear the echo of my footsteps as I walked down the hallway.

Punctuation for Complex Sentences

Since dependent clauses are only part of a sentence, you can never use a semicolon to connect them to another sentence. Semicolons are only used between complete sentences.

o I have loved you for years ; although I never admitted it.

o I have loved you for years although I never admitted it.

OKNo!

Common Subordinating (Dependent) Conjunctions

after even if now that that where

although even though

once though whereas

as if rather than unless wherever

as if whenever since until whether

because in orderthat

so that when which

before than in case while

The Compound-Complex Sentence

o A compound-complex sentence is the last and most complicated type of sentence.

o It contains at least one dependent clause and at least two independent clauses.

A dependent clause added to two or more independent clauses.

Because we are a family,

I love you, and you love me.

Independent clauses

Dependent clause

Compound-Complex Sentence

Simple Compound

Complex Compound-complex

Since every sentence in English fits into one of these four categories,