Connectors Used with Complex Sentences

Complex Sentences

Requires an independent clause (IC) and a dependent clause

(DC)
Both clauses will have a subject, a verb and an object
The words that connect the dependent to the independent clause
are called connectors
If the connector is at the beginning of the sentence, you must
use a comma after the dependent clause.
(connector + DC + , + IC)
If the connector is used between the independent and dependent
clause, a comma is not required
(IC + connector + DC)

For example:

[After the storm arrived on the island], {the trees began to fall.}
connector dependent clause independent clause

{The trees began to fall} [after the storm arrived on the island.]
independent clause connector dependent clause

Common Connectors Used with Complex Sentences

after - After I graduate from school, I will work in a bank.

before - Before we finish this term, well have a final test.

when When Yuri goes back to the Ukraine, he will never come back to
Canada.

until - We are going to stay until the rain stops.

whenever Whenever the sun goes down, the temperature drops to freezing.
if - If I have three children, I will be busy.

because I couldnt attend college yesterday because I was ill.

even if - Even if the weather is nice, I will not go shopping.

even though - Even though I go shopping in a large supermarket, I cant find

my countrys food.

although - Although the weather is nice, they cant go swimming.

unless - I cant go to Africa unless I have enough money.