Complex Sentences Examples
Table of Contents
Exercises
Explanation
Complex sentences are essential for expressing more detailed and connected thoughts. They allow you to explain why something happens, when it happens, or under what condition it takes place - helping your writing sound more natural and fluent.
Why Use Complex Sentences?
Using complex sentences helps you:
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Provide additional information and background to your ideas.
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Express relationships between events, such as cause and effect.
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Create a smoother flow in your writing by linking ideas naturally.
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Avoid short, repetitive sentences that make writing sound too simple.
Instead of writing: I missed the train. I was late for work.
You can write: Because I missed the train, I was late for work.
Structure of a Complex Sentence
A complex sentence usually combines:
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An independent clause (a full sentence): I went home.
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A dependent clause (extra information): because the bus was late.
When combined:
I went home because the bus was late.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect the dependent clause to the main clause and show the relationship between ideas.
|
Use |
Common Words |
Example |
|
Time |
when, after, before, while, as soon as, until |
I’ll call you when I arrive. |
|
Reason |
because, since, as |
She stayed home because she wasn’t feeling well. |
|
Condition |
if, unless, provided that |
You can come if you finish your homework. |
|
Contrast |
although, though, even though, whereas |
Although it was cold, we still went swimming. |
|
Place |
where, wherever |
He built a cabin where the forest is thickest. |
More Examples
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Time: After the movie ended, we went for dinner.
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Reason: I didn’t go out since I had a lot of work to do.
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Condition: You won’t pass unless you study harder.
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Contrast: Though she is shy, she enjoys speaking on stage.
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Place: They stopped where the road turned into a path.
Punctuation Tips
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When the dependent clause comes first, use a comma:
Although it was raining, we decided to play outside. -
When the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed:
We decided to play outside although it was raining.
Simple vs. Complex Sentences
|
Type |
Structure |
Example |
|
Simple Sentence |
One complete idea |
The sun is shining. |
|
Complex Sentence |
Main idea + extra information |
The sun is shining because the clouds have gone. |
Why It Matters
Mastering complex sentences helps you communicate with more precision and sophistication. Whether you’re writing a story, an essay, or having a conversation, complex sentences make your English sound more natural, fluent, and expressive.
