Complex sentences are an essential part of English grammar, especially at the intermediate level. They allow speakers and writers to express more detailed and nuanced ideas by combining independent and dependent clauses. Understanding how to construct and use complex sentences effectively can greatly enhance your communication skills.
Independent and Dependent Clauses
An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. For example: "She went to the store." This sentence can stand by itself and is complete in its meaning.
On the other hand, a dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It needs an independent clause to give it meaning. For example: "Because she was hungry." This clause leaves the reader wondering what happened next.
Constructing Complex Sentences
To form a complex sentence, you need to combine an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. These clauses are often connected by subordinating conjunctions such as "because," "although," "since," "unless," "while," and "if." Here are a few examples:
- Because she was hungry, she went to the store. - The dependent clause "Because she was hungry" explains the reason for the action in the independent clause "she went to the store."
- He will go to the park if it doesn’t rain. - The dependent clause "if it doesn’t rain" sets a condition for the action in the independent clause "He will go to the park."
- Although it was late, they continued their journey. - The dependent clause "Although it was late" contrasts with the independent clause "they continued their journey."
Punctuation in Complex Sentences
When a dependent clause comes before the independent clause, it is usually followed by a comma. For example: "If you study hard, you will pass the exam." However, if the independent clause comes first, the comma is often omitted: "You will pass the exam if you study hard."
Using Relative Clauses
Another way to create complex sentences is by using relative clauses. These clauses provide additional information about a noun and are introduced by relative pronouns such as "who," "whom," "whose," "which," and "that." For example:
- The book that you lent me was fascinating. - The relative clause "that you lent me" gives more information about "The book."
- She is the teacher who inspired me the most. - The relative clause "who inspired me the most" provides more details about "the teacher."
Practice and Application
To become proficient in using complex sentences, practice is key. Try combining simple sentences into complex ones, and pay attention to how native speakers use complex sentences in conversations, books, and other media. As you become more comfortable with these structures, you will find that your ability to express ideas in English becomes richer and more precise.
