A complex sentence contains one principal clause and one or more dependent or subordinate clauses that make complete sense only when connected to the primary clause.
What Is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence contains one or more dependent propositions or clauses, which define or explain the principal sentence; these are called dependent or subordinate, because they make complete sense only when taken in connection with the principal proposition or clause.
For example, "He eats that he may live." Here, "He eats" is the independent, or primary clause, and "he may live" is the dependent or secondary clause. Another example is, "I am sad when I listen to that music." In this sentence, "I am sad" is the independent clause, while the other is subordinate, and dependent on it.
How Do Dependent Clauses Function in Complex Sentences?
These dependent propositions or clauses are adjective, relative, adverbial, conjunctive, or participial where they are introduced by a relative pronoun, an adverb, a conjunction, a participle, or by a noun and participle absolute.
1. The Adjective Clause
As in the example: A man, eager to learn, applied himself to study.
2. The Relative Clause
As in the example: He was admired by all who heard him; where "who" connects this clause with the independent clause preceding it. Another example is: "He, whose house you occupy, is wealthy."
3. The Adverbial Clause
As in the example: "He retired when he saw fit," commencing with the adverb "when". The adverbial clause expresses some circumstances of time, place, mode, cause, or reason.
4. The Conjunctive Clause
As in the example: "I wish that you may be happy," commencing with the conjunction "that".
5. The Appositive Clause
The appositive clause consists of, or commences with, a noun or pronoun placed in apposition to a preceding word or clause, which it explains or defines; as, Washington, the father of his country.
6. The Parenthetical and Absolute Clauses
A parenthetical clause is one that is embraced in a parenthesis; as, The teacher (having come from Europe) entered upon his duties.
An absolute clause is not dependent for construction on other parts of the sentence; as, Listen to me, my friends. Sometimes the connecting word is understood and not expressed; as, You cannot say (that) I have been tardy. I believe (that) he is faithful. This is the person (whom) I meant.
7. The Participial Clause
As in the example: "The work having been performed, the men withdrew," that is, "when the work had been performed, the men withdrew;" the first clause is the participial, dependent clause.
8. The Infinitive Clause
There is another kind of clause which may be termed an infinitive clause; it consists of an infinitive verb with its subject (in the objective case) united to the other clause without a connective, and following a transitive verb as its object; as, "I believe God to be just" — equivalent to, "I believe that God is just."
For more advanced sentence structures, you can also review our guide on Changing Compound Sentences to Complex and Simple ones to master your grammar skills.
Key Takeaways
- A complex sentence relies on an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
- Dependent clauses can function as adjective, relative, adverbial, conjunctive, appositive, parenthetical, participial, or infinitive clauses.
- Connecting words in a complex sentence are sometimes understood rather than explicitly expressed.
- The order of clauses does not change the core meaning of the syntax.
Quick Practice
Write your own complex sentence using a relative clause in the comments below, and identify its independent and dependent clauses!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a complex sentence?
A complex sentence contains one principal clause and one or more dependent or subordinate clauses that provide complete meaning only when connected to the main clause.
What are the different types of clauses in a complex sentence?
The dependent clauses can be adjective, relative, adverbial, conjunctive, appositive, parenthetical, participial, or infinitive clauses, often introduced by relative pronouns, adverbs, or conjunctions.