COMPLEX SENTENCE

• A complex sentence is a sentence that combines

one independent clause with at least one
dependent clause.
• A clause is a group of words that has both a
subject and a verb.
• An independent clause forms a complete
thought.
• A dependent clause, also called a subordinating
clause, does not form a complete thought and is
dependent upon an independent clause for
meaning.
 Using Subordinate Clauses
in Complex Sentences

In complex sentences, subordinate clauses

function within the sentence as (1) nouns, (2)
adjectives, or (3) adverbs
 Noun Clause

• A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun.

• Noun clauses begin with words such as how, that, what,

whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who,
whoever, whom, whomever, and why.

• Noun clauses can act as subjects, direct objects, indirect

objects, predicate nominatives, or objects of a preposition.
 Examples
 The focus of our work is how we can satisfy customers most effectively.

How we can satisfy customers most effectively is a noun clause. It contains the subject
we and the verb phrase can satisfy. The clause acts as a predicate nominative in the
sentence, identifying focus.
 Be sure to send whoever interviewed you a thank-you note.

Whoever interviewed you is a noun clause. It contains the subject whoever and the
verb interviewed. The clause acts as an indirect object in the sentence.
 Do you know what the weather will be?

What the weather will be is a noun clause. It contains the subject weather and the
verb phrase will be. The clause acts as a direct object in the sentence.)
 Adjective Clause
• An adjective clause is a dependent clause that, like an
adjective, modifies a noun or pronoun. Adjective
clauses begin with words such as that, when, where,
who, whom, whose, which, and why.
• An essential (or restrictive) adjective clause provides
information that is necessary for identifying the word
it modifies. A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) adjective
clause provides additional information about the word
it modifies, but the word’s meaning is already clear.
Nonessential clauses are always set off with commas.
 Examples
• We’re going to the beach that I like best.
That I like the best is an adjective clause. It contains
the subject I and the verb like. The clause modifies
the noun beach.
• Mr. Jackson is the teacher who helped me with
my math problems.
Who helped me with my math problems is an
adjective clause. It contains the subject who and the
verb helped. The clause modifies the noun teacher.
 Adjective clause connectors:

• Who/whom (for people), which (for things), that

(for people or things), Whose (for possesive)
• She needs a secretary who types fast
• I liked the book which you recommended
• The woman is filling the glass that she put on
the table
• The glass that she put on the table contains
milk
 Adverbial Clause

• An adverbial clause is a
dependent clause that functions as
an adverb; that is, the
entire clause modifies a verb, an
adjective, or another adverb.
 Types and Functions
1) Adverbial Clause of Time
This refers to when an action takes place. Adverb clause of
time connectors: after, as, as long as, as soon as, before,
by the time, once, since, until, when, whenever, while.
For instance:
• As soon as the man saw his wife, he ran away.
• Before she completed the cooking, the visitors had left.
• After the church service, the children went to the zoo.
• Immediately he came home, he went to bed.
2) Adverbial Clause of Place
This refers to where an action takes place. Adverb clause
of place connectors : where, wherever
For instance:
• Jane sat where her mother had prepared for her friend.
• I will go wherever you go.
• She promised to look for the purse wherever she might
find it.
• Send us to wherever you want to.
3) Adverbial Clause of Manner
This refers to how an action takes place. Adverb clause of
place connectors : as, in that
For instance:
• The man was talking as if she was the leader of the
group.
• The choir sang as though the heavens would fall.
• She performed so excellently that she got a scholarship.
• Please do it (exactly) as I instructed.
4) Adverbial Clause of Reason
This clause tells us the reason for the action
the verb expresses. Subordinating conjunctions such as that,
because, since, as, etc.
Examples:
• The man works hard because he has debts to offset.
• Because he has money, he believes he can get away with the
crime.
• He was denied entrance as he could not pay the required
fees.
• He was not happy that he could not make the list.
5) Adverbial Clause of Condition
This clause usually states the condition the verb in the main
clause stipulates. Some of the subordinating conjunctions that
introduce this clause include: whether, if, provided, unless, as
long as, etc.
Examples:
• I will only attend the event if you personally invite me.
• Whether she likes it or not, she must complete her education
in Nigeria.
• There will be no need to go to court provided you sign the
papers.
6) Adverbial Clause of Concession
The subordinators that introduce this clause are
though, although, even though, while, despite, in
spite of, whereas, etc.
• Although he was indisposed, he went to the office.
• Though he was a trained teacher, he detests
teaching.
• While she cannot speak French, she likes visiting
Francophone countries.
7) Adverbial Clause of Purpose
We usually introduce this clause by subordinating
conjunctions : that, so that, lest, in order that, etc. The
clause tells us the purpose of the action the verb states.
Examples:
• He reads so hard so that he can graduate top of his class.
• You need to shed off some weight lest you should
become obese.
• The ceremony was rounded off in order that attendees
might get to their destinations on time.
8) Adverbial Clause of Degree or Comparison
Adverbial Clause of degree usually indicates the degree, that is,
the relative extent or the comparison of the verb in the main
or independent clause. It answers the questions how much,
how many or how little. The subordinate conjunctions that
usually introduce this clause include as, than, as…as, so…as
and others. Let us see some examples of this clause:
• She is as loquacious as she is ill-mannered.
• The factory is bigger than the one in the capital city.
• The students were quicker in solving the sums than I
expected.