example of a complex sentence

3 min read 15-01-2025

Complex sentences are the backbone of sophisticated writing. They add depth, nuance, and clarity to your prose. Understanding how to construct and use them effectively elevates your communication skills. This article delves into the world of complex sentences, providing clear examples and explanations to help you master this grammatical structure. We'll cover what makes a sentence complex, provide numerous examples illustrating diverse sentence structures, and offer tips on when and how to use them most effectively.

What Makes a Sentence Complex?

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Independent Clause: A complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb. Example: The dog barked.
Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone as a sentence. It relies on the independent clause for its meaning. It also has a subject and a verb, but it begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, since, if, while, when) or a relative pronoun (e.g., who, whom, which, that). Example: Because the dog was hungry.

Examples of Complex Sentences

Let's explore a variety of complex sentences, categorized for clarity:

Complex Sentences with Adverbial Clauses

Adverbial clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing additional information about how, when, where, why, or to what extent something happened.

Example 1: Although it was raining, we went for a walk. (Dependent clause: "Although it was raining"; Independent clause: "we went for a walk.")
Example 2: Because she studied diligently, she aced the exam. (Dependent clause: "Because she studied diligently"; Independent clause: "she aced the exam.")
Example 3: While I was cooking dinner, the phone rang incessantly. (Dependent clause: "While I was cooking dinner"; Independent clause: "the phone rang incessantly.")
Example 4: After the storm passed, the sun peeked through the clouds, illuminating a vibrant rainbow. (Dependent clause: "After the storm passed"; Independent clause: "the sun peeked through the clouds, illuminating a vibrant rainbow.") This example shows a complex sentence can also contain other descriptive elements.

Complex Sentences with Adjective Clauses

Adjective clauses modify nouns or pronouns, providing more detail about them. They often begin with relative pronouns.

Example 5: The book, which I borrowed from the library, was fascinating. (Independent clause: "The book was fascinating"; Dependent clause: "which I borrowed from the library")
Example 6: The artist, whose paintings are renowned worldwide, opened a new gallery. (Independent clause: "The artist opened a new gallery"; Dependent clause: "whose paintings are renowned worldwide")
Example 7: The house that Jack built stood on a hill overlooking the town. (Independent clause: "The house stood on a hill overlooking the town"; Dependent clause: "that Jack built")

Complex Sentences with Noun Clauses

Noun clauses function as nouns in a sentence. They can act as subjects, objects, or complements.

Example 8: What she said surprised everyone. (Dependent clause: "What she said"; Independent clause: "surprised everyone") The entire dependent clause acts as the subject.
Example 9: I believe that honesty is the best policy. (Independent clause: "I believe"; Dependent clause: "that honesty is the best policy") The dependent clause is the object of the verb "believe."
Example 10: The problem is that we ran out of time. (Independent clause: "The problem is"; Dependent clause: "that we ran out of time") The dependent clause acts as a predicate nominative (a noun that renames the subject).

Using Complex Sentences Effectively

Complex sentences can significantly enhance your writing, but overuse can make your text dense and difficult to read. Strive for a balance. Use simple and compound sentences to vary sentence structure and maintain readability. Use complex sentences strategically to add depth and precision where needed. Ensure the relationship between the independent and dependent clauses is clear and logical.

Avoid overly long or convoluted complex sentences. If a sentence becomes too complex, break it into shorter, clearer sentences. Proofread carefully to ensure proper punctuation and grammar.

Conclusion

Mastering complex sentences is a key component of strong writing. By understanding their structure and using them effectively, you can create richer, more nuanced, and more engaging prose. Remember to practice regularly and review the examples provided to solidify your understanding of these essential grammatical constructions. Proper use of complex sentences demonstrates a sophisticated command of the English language, allowing you to express your ideas with precision and clarity.