Lesson 2.5: Complex Sentences - Independent and Dependent Clauses

Complex Sentences: Adding Layers of Meaning!

A complex sentence is different from a simple or compound sentence. It contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone; they rely on the independent clause to complete their meaning. Complex sentences allow you to express more sophisticated relationships between ideas by making one idea subordinate to another.

Key Characteristics of a Complex Sentence:

One Independent Clause: Just like simple sentences, complex sentences have one main independent clause. This is the core of the sentence and can stand alone.
At Least One Dependent Clause: This is the key addition! A complex sentence *must* have one or more dependent clauses that are connected to the independent clause.
Dependent Clauses Can't Stand Alone: Dependent clauses are not complete sentences on their own. They need to be attached to an independent clause to make sense.
Joined by Subordinating Conjunctions or Relative Pronouns: Dependent clauses are connected to independent clauses using:
- Subordinating Conjunctions (because, although, if, when, etc.) - to show relationships like cause, contrast, time, condition, etc.
- Relative Pronouns (who, whom, which, that, whose) - to relate the dependent clause to a noun in the independent clause.

Let's understand independent and dependent clauses better and see how they work in complex sentences:

Independent Clause: The Main Idea

We already know about independent clauses from simple and compound sentences! In a complex sentence, the independent clause is still the main part. It:

Has a subject and a predicate.
Expresses a complete thought.
Can stand alone as a sentence.

Example of an Independent Clause: "I went to the park."

Dependent Clause: Adding Extra Information (But Can't Stand Alone)

A dependent clause, also called a subordinate clause, is different. It:

Has a subject and a predicate.
Does NOT express a complete thought on its own.
Cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Starts with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. This is what makes it dependent!

Examples of Dependent Clauses (on their own - fragments):

"Because it was raining" (Starts with "because" - subordinating conjunction. Incomplete thought - What happened because of the rain?)
"Although she was tired" (Starts with "although" - subordinating conjunction. Incomplete thought - What happened despite her tiredness?)
"Who is wearing a red shirt" (Starts with "who" - relative pronoun. Incomplete thought - We need to know more about "who...")
"Which is on the table" (Starts with "which" - relative pronoun. Incomplete thought - We need to know more about "which...")

Building Complex Sentences: Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

To make a complex sentence, we attach a dependent clause to an independent clause. The dependent clause provides extra information, context, or detail related to the main idea in the independent clause.

Examples of Complex Sentences:

"Because it was raining (dependent clause), we stayed home (independent clause)."
- Dependent clause: "Because it was raining" - starts with "because" (subordinating conjunction), incomplete thought.
- Independent clause: "we stayed home" - complete thought, can stand alone.
- Relationship: Cause and effect - the rain *caused* staying home.
"Although she was tired (dependent clause), she finished her work (independent clause)."
- Dependent clause: "Although she was tired" - starts with "although" (subordinating conjunction), incomplete thought.
- Independent clause: "she finished her work" - complete thought, can stand alone.
- Relationship: Contrast - tiredness *vs.* completing work.
"The man who is wearing a red shirt (dependent clause) is my teacher (independent clause)."
- Dependent clause: "who is wearing a red shirt" - starts with "who" (relative pronoun), incomplete thought.
- Independent clause: "The man is my teacher" - complete thought, can stand alone.
- Relationship: Identification - specifying *which* man.
"This is the book which is on the table (dependent clause)." (Independent clause implied - "This is the book")
- Dependent clause: "which is on the table" - starts with "which" (relative pronoun), incomplete thought.
- Independent clause: "This is the book" (implied - understood, but could be completed as "This is the book I was looking for") - complete thought (though a bit less informative alone in this case).
- Relationship: Identification - specifying *which* book.

Comma Use in Complex Sentences:

If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma to separate them. (Example: "Because it was raining, we stayed home.")
If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, you usually do not need a comma. (Example: "We stayed home because it was raining.")
Relative clauses (starting with who, which, that) generally do not need commas unless they add non-essential extra information.

Why Use Complex Sentences? Adding Nuance and Detail!

Complex sentences are powerful because they allow you to:

Show relationships between ideas more clearly (cause/effect, contrast, time, condition, etc.).
Provide more detailed information in a single sentence.
Create more sophisticated and varied writing.

Key takeaway: Complex sentences combine an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. Understanding independent and dependent clauses, and how to connect them with subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns, is essential for building complex and meaningful sentences in English. Next, we'll look at Compound-Complex Sentences!