Complex sentences Introduction to

complex sentences

Introduction to
complex sentences

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What are complex sentences?

Hey guys, do you know
what complex sentences
are?

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Complex sentences
Complex sentences need not be complex to understand.
They are sentences that contain a main clause and at least
one subordinate clause.
For example:
After waking up late, Tom
missed his bus.

The subordinate clauses tell us more about the idea in the

main clause.
Complex sentences are punctuated in different ways
depending on where the subordinate clause is positioned.
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Complex sentences Joining

clauses

Joining clauses

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Joining clauses

To combine one clause with another, a linking word is used

to introduce the new clause. These linking words are called
connectives. These words are useful when you are
combining clauses to make complex sentences:

when
before
because

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if

after

although
while

until

unless
though
since

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Complex sentences Adding

punctuation

Adding punctuation

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Adding commas
When a connective begins the sentence, a comma should
be placed before the clause it introduces.
For example:
Although he was exhausted, Max
was determined to finish his revision.

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Adding a comma
Decide where a comma is needed in these sentences:
If you are tired,you should have a rest.
Before you can watch TV,you must do your chores.
Unless you practise,you wont pass your music exam.
Because she was ill,Sally couldnt play outside.

Did you put them in these places?

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Adding pairs of commas

As you become more skilled at English, you will experiment
with different ways of forming sentences.
You may decide to put an adverbial clause in the middle of
the sentence. You will then need two commas.
For example:
Her mother insisted that, before she
could go out, Megan had to do her
homework.
Max said that, if he had time, he would
mow the grass.
Lei knew that, unless she stopped
talking, the teacher would give her a
detention.
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When not to add commas

You dont need to add any commas if you end a sentence
with a subordinate clause which is introduced by a
connective, e.g.
Lei was happy after buying her new
dress.
Tom was mad because his football
match was cancelled.
Max liked reading late at night until
he had to wear glasses.
Megan loves eating hamburgers
although they are unhealthy.

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When to add a comma

However, you do need to add a comma if you end a
sentence with a subordinate clause which is not introduced
by a connective, e.g.
Tom loves to play football, especially when
its sunny.
We have a slight problem, to put it mildly.
My house was burning before my eyes,
blazing red fire.
The whistle blew and the runners began to
move, sprinting forwards as a group.

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Colons and semicolons

Colons and semicolons

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Colons and semicolons

Colons and semicolons are useful forms of punctuation
because they can make your sentences sound precise.
A colon (:) introduces an explanation, detail or example
about the sentence preceding it, e.g.
The weather was awful: wet, windy and cold.
The colon is placed directly after the final word of the main
clause and is followed by a space. It may introduce one word
or a phrase.
Write five sentences with colons in them.
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Semicolons
Semicolons are used to join two complete sentences together
when they are too similar to be written individually they can
replace connectives (and, but, because, however etc.), e.g.
Megan was sad; Mogg was ill.
Max likes reading; Tom likes football.
Lei loves boy bands; Lei hates metal.
The semicolons are placed directly after the last word of the
first sentence and are followed by one space.
They link the two sentences into one sentence, instead of
using a connective, to sound concise.
Write five sentences with semicolons in them.
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