COMPLEX SENTENCE

Session 10
Complex sentence
Complex sentence is a sentence that has one
independent clause (IC) and one or more dependent
clause (DC).

DC,IC (comma)

IC DC (no comma)
 Complex Sentence
⚫ After the sun set, we built a campfire.
*Note the comma
when the dependent
Dependent Independent clause comes at the
Clause Clause beginning of a
sentence.

⚫ We built a campfire after the sun set.

Independent Dependent
Clause Clause
Complex Sentences

⚫ Although Jono works full-time, he still finds time to study.

DEPENDENT CLAUSE INDEPENDENT CLAUSE

⚫ I want to go home because I do not feel well.

INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE

Independent Clause
⚫ Independent clause consists of one SV combination and has a
complete thought. An independent clause is also a simple sentence.

⚫ Example:
1. Susan writes an essay every month.
S V
2. My aunt is cleaning the kitchen.
S V
3. Mira and Dina worked together.
S S V
4. I have done my homework.
S V
5. The bike is very expensive.
S V
Dependent Clause
⚫ Dependent clause consists of one SV combination but does not have a
complete thought. Dependent clause has a subordinating conjunction
at the beginning of it.

⚫ Example:
1. … because it was very cold in the garden ...
2. … when I arrived home ….
3. …. before he comes …
4. …. since I could not catch the bus ….

Since the dependent clause does not have a complete

thought, it should be attached to an independent clause.
Independent & Dependent Clause

1. We decided to eat in the house because it was

very cold in the garden.

2. My brother had slept when I arrived home.

3. I will leave before he comes.

4. I was late since I could not catch the bus.

Dependent Clauses

⚫There are three types of dependent

clauses:
1. Adverb Clauses
2. Relative (or Adjective) Clauses
3. Noun Clauses
Dependent Clauses
Dependent
Clauses

Relative (or
Adverb Clauses Adjective) Noun Clauses
Clauses

although, when,
that, who,
because, while, If/whether, that,
whose, which,
since, before, WH-question
whom, why, etc.
after, etc.
 Exercise 1
Identify whether it is simple, compound, or complex
sentence.
1. My uncle used to own a restaurant, so he's a great cook.
2. I can't remember my grandmother's first name.
3. I have three cats, and they are all very big.
4. My mother said that we had to wait at least 30 minutes.
5. I did very well on the last exam; therefore, I will get a good
final grade.
6. My brother has been learning Arabic since last November.
7. The park by my house has so many soccer fields.
8. Until I get my drivers license, I will have to ride my bike
everywhere.
9. Some of the survivors had been in the icy water for hours
when they were saved.
Exercise 2
Write IC for Independent Clause or DC for Dependent
Clause in the space to the left of each group of words.
Then, add a period (.) if it is an IC or underline the time
subordinator if it is DC.

1. (DC) before I go to work

2. --- It is still dark
3. --- I turn over and go back to sleep
4. --- I take a walk around the block
5. ---- when it began to rain
6. --- As she was there
Exercise 3
Decide IC (Independent Clause) or DC (Dependent Clause) for the
following group of words. Point out the subordinating conjunction
if you think it is a DC.

1. She loves swimming every Sunday

2. While you were driving
3. Because she was sick
4. They won the game
5. We are not playing badminton
6. Although I do not have time
7. I will be there at 4 pm
8. Since he wouldn’t lend me his car
9. Whether she worked all night
Exercise 4
Combine an independent clause
from column A with a dependent
clause from column B to make
complex sentences. Punctuate them
correctly.
Column A
1.We will check the
evidence
2.She could finish her
study
3.You will get troubles
4.He needs to pay his
electrical bill
5.The teacher punished
him
6.My grandfather feeds the
cow every afternoon
7.She will buy the dress
8. She always listens to all
of my problems
Column B
a. Because he was late
b. Before we write a report
c. So that the officer does
not cut off the electricity in
his house
d. After you kick his brother
e. In order he can sell it
f. When I have difficult time
in my life
g. Although she had some
obstacles to fulfill her
thesis
h. If it is on sale
THANK YOU