Complex sentences are an essential aspect of writing that enable writers to express more detailed and connected ideas.
A complex sentence combines an independent clause, which can stand alone, with a dependent clause, which cannot. This structure allows for deeper meaning and clearer relationships between thoughts.
In this article, we will define complex sentences, provide examples from classic literature, and explain how to construct them effectively. Whether you’re aiming to improve your writing style or simply understand sentence structure better, this guide will give you the tools you need.
What’s a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (or subordinate) clause.
The independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while the dependent clause cannot. Dependent clauses are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “although,” “if,” or “while.”
These types of sentences are essential for adding depth to writing, allowing for more detailed thoughts and connections between ideas.
Complex sentences are used to convey relationships between different pieces of information, showing how one idea is related to another. By linking clauses, they provide more sophisticated communication than simple sentences.
What Makes a Sentence Complex?
A sentence becomes complex when it includes at least one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The dependent clause is unable to stand alone as a complete sentence and depends on the independent clause to make sense. Here’s a breakdown of the components:
- Independent Clause: This is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. It typically has a subject and a verb.
- Dependent Clause: This part of the sentence cannot stand alone. It provides additional information but needs the independent clause to form a complete sentence. Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “since,” “although,” “if,” or “while.”
For example:
- Independent clause: “I stayed home.”
- Dependent clause: “because it was raining.”
Together, they form the complex sentence: “I stayed home because it was raining.”
Complex Sentence Examples From Literature
Here are some examples of complex sentences popular authors have included in their novels.
- “Though I was very young, I could not help feeling that I was a part of something much larger than myself.”—Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
- “While I was reading, I heard a knock at the door, and when I opened it, I was greeted by the sight of an old friend who had traveled many miles to see me.”—Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- “Although the sun was setting, the light still lingered in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape.”—Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
- “Even though the storm raged outside, we were safe and warm inside the house, with the fire crackling in the hearth.”—The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
- “Because the rain was falling in torrents, we decided to stay inside and wait for it to pass.”—Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
- “When the clock struck midnight, he realized that he had been waiting for far too long, and that it was time to move on.”—A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- “Though she was frightened, she pressed on, determined to reach her destination, no matter the obstacles in her path.”—Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
- “If I had known about the danger, I would have stayed far away from that place, but now it was too late.”—Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
- “Because he had missed the deadline, the project was delayed by several weeks, and the team was forced to work overtime to catch up.”—Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
- “Since the day was clear and bright, we decided to go for a long walk in the countryside, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of nature.”—The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
- “While he had always been a quiet man, his recent actions were causing many to question his motives.”—Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
- “If you don’t study for the exam, you may struggle to pass, and the consequences could be severe.”—The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
- “Though the plan was risky, they decided to go ahead with it, believing that the potential rewards outweighed the dangers.”—The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
- “Although she was nervous about the interview, she did her best to stay calm and answer the questions confidently.”—The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
- “Even though the weather was stormy, they continued their journey, knowing that they had no choice but to press forward.”—Dracula by Bram Stoker
- “Because of the constant hardships, he grew stronger and more determined to survive.”—The Call of the Wild by Jack London
- “Though the storm raged outside, we were safe and warm inside the house, with the fire crackling in the hearth.”—The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
General Examples of Complex Sentences
Here are general examples of complex sentences that show the wide application of complex sentences in different contexts:
- Although the weather was warm, it was still a good idea to bring a jacket.
- If the researchers can collect enough data, they will be able to draw more accurate conclusions.
- When the meeting ended, everyone felt more confident about the project’s success.
- Because the traffic was heavy, we decided to leave earlier than planned.
- While the technology is impressive, it still needs a lot of refinement.
- If you don’t study for the exam, you may struggle to pass.
- Even though the movie received mixed reviews, it was a box office success.
- Because the city’s infrastructure is aging, there are frequent issues with transportation.
After the rain stopped, the hikers resumed their journey. - If the investigation yields results, the company may be fined for their actions.
- While he was trying to fix the computer, it crashed completely.
- Although the plan was risky, they decided to go ahead with it.
- If the team practices more, they might improve their performance.
- Because the restaurant was full, we had to wait for a table.
- While the pandemic has affected the economy, many businesses have adapted to the changes.
- Although she was nervous about the interview, she did her best to stay calm.
- When the new policy was announced, many employees were uncertain about its impact.
- Because he missed the deadline, the project was delayed by several weeks.
- While the car broke down in the middle of the road, we were fortunate to find help nearby.
- If the experiment goes as planned, the scientists will publish their findings.
How to Make a Complex Sentence
Now that you understand what makes a sentence complex, it’s time to learn how to create one. Crafting a complex sentence is straightforward once you break it down into steps. Below are the essential components and examples to guide you through the process.
Start with an Independent Clause
Begin with an independent clause, which is a simple sentence that can stand alone. It contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
For example:
- “I went to the park.”
- “She loves reading books.”
These sentences can stand alone, but they are simple and lack additional context.
Add a Dependent Clause
Next, add a dependent clause. A dependent clause includes a subject and a verb but doesn’t express a complete thought on its own. It relies on the independent clause to form a full sentence. Use subordinating conjunctions like “because,” “although,” “if,” or “while” to link the two clauses.
The dependent clause should topically build on the independent clause.
For example:
- because the weather was beautiful.
- because it helps her relax.
The dependent clause adds more information to the independent clause, giving it context or reasoning.
Combine the Two Clauses
Once you have both an independent and a dependent clause, combine them to create a complex sentence. The dependent clause can come before or after the independent clause.
For example:
- “I went to the park because the weather was beautiful.”
- “Because the weather was beautiful, I went to the park.”
- “She loves reading books because it helps her relax.”
These sentences now express more than the simple sentences could alone, adding detail and showing the relationship between ideas.