complex sentence

(noun)

At least one independent clause and one subordinate clause.

Related Terms

(noun)

In grammar, a complex sentence is a sentence with one independent, and at least one dependent, clause. A complex sentence is often used to make clear which ideas are most important, and which are subordinate.

Related Terms

Examples of complex sentence in the following topics:

  • Using Varied Sentence Lengths and Styles

    • A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) consists of multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.
    • Structural classifications for sentences include: simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
    • A complex sentence consists of at least one independent clause and one subordinate clause.
    • A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) consists of multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.
    • In this varied version, the first sentence is complex, and the second one is simple.

  • Structure of a Sentence

    • Structural classifications for sentences include simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
    • A complex sentence consists of at least one independent clause and one subordinate clause.
    • A compound-complex sentence (or complex-compound sentence) consists of multiple independent clauses, at least one of which has at least one subordinate clause.
    • The complex sentence sounds more like a lesson in its "if-then" format, and the compound-complex sentence packs all the information into one conclusive sentence.
    • Does the prose sound convoluted because I use too many compound-complex sentences?

  • Concision

    • It is important to keep sentences concise; the longer and more complex a sentence gets, the harder it is for a reader to understand.
    • Varying sentence lengths and types of sentences can help to break up otherwise tedious prose blocks.
    • However, it is important to keep in mind that the longer and more complex a sentence gets, the more difficult it can be for a reader to interpret that sentence.
    • Let's break it up into shorter sentences and omit unnecessary words:
    • The single combined sentence may be longer than each of the two original sentences, but overall you are using fewer words and communicating your point more clearly.

  • Making Subject and Verbs Agree

    • Incorrect sentence: My dog and my cat likes to be petted.
    • Correct sentence: My dog and my cat like to be petted.
    • Complex sentences are especially dangerous, particularly if the subject is close to another noun or if it is separated from the verb by other clauses.
    • Incorrect sentence: The Anderson kids, as well as their mother, likes visiting New York.
    • Correct sentence: The Anderson kids, as well as their mother, like visiting New York.

  • The Importance of Wording

    • This can be achieved by using varied syntax, or sentence structure.
    • Using longer, more complex sentences can make your writing difficult to read and may bog the reader down.
    • Additionally, sentence structure within a sentence can impact your reader's response.
    • While you don't want to use too much variety in your sentences, knowing different ways to structure sentences is important.
    • Syntax focuses primarily on sentence structure, while diction concerns the words contained in sentences.

  • Using Pointing Words

    • Pointing words let you refer back to complex ideas without becoming vague and confusing the reader.
    • Look at these sentences taken from the conclusion of the essay about "Caliban Upon Setebos. "
    • In the example, the word "this" is a pointing word that refers back to the previous sentence, while simultaneously pointing toward how the ensuing sentence will take up and comment on the initial sentence.
    • The pointing word establishes continuity between the two sentences by acting as a pivot that both points backward to the previous sentence and points forward.
    • Pointing words let you refer back to complex ideas without becoming vague and confusing the reader.

  • Varying Your Sentence Structure and Vocabulary

    • Clauses: The easiest way to vary sentence length and structure is with clauses.
    • Length: Longer sentences are better suited for expressing complex thoughts.
    • Shorter sentences, in contrast, are useful when you want to emphasize a concise point.
    • Here's the rewritten version, with attention paid to sentence variation:
    • Vary the types of sentences you use to keep your paper interesting.

  • Components of a Sentence

    • Compare and contrast the sentences below:
    • In active-voice sentences, it is the noun or pronoun performing the action in the sentence.
    • There are more complex definitions of "predicate."
    • in a sentence.
    • In a given sentence, there may be more than one of any of the five core sentence elements.

  • Structure of a Sentence

  • Ending Punctuation

    • Recall that declarative sentences make statements and imperative sentences give commands.
    • (imperative sentence)
    • (declarative sentence containing an imperative statement)
    • (declarative sentence with a direct question)
    • (declarative sentence that includes an exclamation)