English Sentence Structure:  The Complex Sentence

Of the three types of sentence structures in English, simple, compound and complex, we are now going to study the complex sentence.

Welcome to the ESL Help! Desk, where the examples and writing samples are authentic English! Our website is always evolving, to bring you more opportunities to improve your English skills.

Today, we are going to continue in our chapter "Sentence Structure" from our library shelf.

To access the previous lesson, click here.

Before you begin the activities, you may also want to study the podcast and grammar lesson, He's Always Talking about Grammar , also in our Library.

What Is a Complex Sentence?

 

There are three main types of sentence structures in English: simple, compound, and complex. Every sentence has a simple sentence at its root.

A complex sentence, like the simple sentence, has a main clause which consists of one main subject S1) and one main verb (V1.  The main subject and main verb are in the main clause.

However, a complex sentence is different from a simple sentence in that it also has subordinate (or a dependent) clause which, in turn, has a secondary subject and a secondary verb (V2).

  • My wife was crying because the customs officials wouldn't let her bring her belongings with her.

Dependent or Subordinate Clauses

 

Many subordinate clauses begin with words that are probably familiar to you:

Clauses Indicating:
Time Relationships: before, after, until, when(ever), once, as, as soon as, since, while
Reason and Cause: because, since, due to the fact that, as
Condition: if, unless, provided (that), given (that), in case, as long as, whatever
Concession: although, as, while, whereas, even if, given that
Subordination: but

 

More Examples of Complex Sentences

 

  •  You can't take this dog with you because he is too sick.
    S1       V1                                                S2  V2

  • They pray before they take a test.
    S1      V1                S2    V2

  • I have the right to bring my dog with me as long as he is not sick .
    S1 V1                                                                      S2 V2   

 How Well Can You Recognize a Complex Sentence?

 

Learn to recognize a complex sentence. Analyze the structure of each complex sentence below. 1) Underline each main subject once.  2) Underline each main verb once.
3) Underline the subordinate clause twice. 4) Write S2 under the secondary subject and 5) write V2 under the secondary verb. 

1. In my first race, I came in second, but it was good enough for me.

2. I don't like to write when it is noisy.

3. I was tired because of my pregnancy.

4. Since World War II ended, almost all the rules about dating have changed.

5. When a woman and a man walked together, the woman had to walk one or two steps behind the man.

You will find the answers by clicking HERE.

Next...

In our next lesson...

Does a complex sentence always begin with the main clause?  In our next lesson, we will discuss the main clause, the subordinate clause, and the order of the clauses.

All material is copyrighted by Software for Students.  Copying is permissible for PERSONAL USE ONLY. All others must contact Software for Students for permission to use in schools or other educational institutions.