Complex Sentence

A complex sentence contains an independent clause joined by one or more dependent or subordinate clauses. A dependent (subordinate) clause begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. In other words, a complex sentence always has a subordinating conjunction (subordinator) or a relative pronoun. Clauses in complex sentences are not structurally equal. They express related thoughts. Subordinators or relative pronouns are used not only to connect these clauses but also to show the ‘clear and specific relationship’ between the clauses. In other words, the subordinator or relative pronoun shows how one clause (dependent or subordinate clause) is dependent on another. The two parts are no longer of equal importance. Following is a brief description of subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns: (A). Subordinating conjunctions [Also known as ‘Subordinators] – Subordinators may be classified according to their meaning (logical relationship), as follows:- (a). Subordinating Conjunctions [Cause or Reason]: as because considering that in order (that) since so (that) that why (b). Subordinating Conjunctions [Comparison]: as much as rather than whereas whether (c). Subordinating Conjunctions [Concession]: although as though even though except just as though whereas while (d). Subordinating Conjunctions [Condition]: assuming (that) even if in case (that) lest only if provided (that) unless until whether or not (e). Subordinating Conjunctions [Consequence or Result]: that (f). Subordinating Conjunctions [Manner]: as if as though how (g). Subordinating Conjunctions [Place]: whence where wherever (h). Subordinating Conjunctions [Purpose]: in order that so so that that (i). Subordinating Conjunctions [Time]: after as long as soon as before by the time now that once since still till (or until) when whenever while Following words are also subordinating conjunctions: wherein [Meaning: in which] whereby [Meaning: by which] wherewith [Meaning: with which] wherefore [Meaning: for which] Punctuation Rules: Subordinating conjunction Subordinator could be used in the beginning or in the middle of the sentence. When you begin a sentence with a subordinator, you should use a comma (,) before beginning the second clause. If you put a subordinator in the middle of the sentence, you don’t need to use commas before the second clause. In Other Words - When ‘dependent clause’ comes first, you should separate the clauses with a comma.

When ‘independent clause’ comes first, you don’t need to use a comma. Pattern: subordinate clause + comma + independent clause Complex Sentence: Examples [using subordinating conjunctions] Example 1: After he completed his post-graduation, he applied for the job. Or He applied for the job after he completed his post-graduation. Independent clause – He applied for the job. Dependent clause – After he completed his post-graduation. [This sentence cannot stand on its own.] Example 2: When her mother arrived home, she was singing. Or She was singing when her mother arrived home. Independent clause – She was singing. Dependent clause – When her mother arrived home. [This sentence cannot stand on its own.] Example 3: If you help me in this hour of crisis, I will help you later. Or I will help you later if you help me in this hour of crisis. Independent clause – I will help you later. Dependent clause – If you help me in this hour of crisis. [This sentence cannot stand on its own.] (B). RELATIVE PRONOUNS: A relative pronoun is used to connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. That, Which, Who, Whom, and Whose are relative pronouns that are commonly used in complex sentences. “Which” is more formal than ‘that’ Following is the complete list of relative pronouns: 1. that 2. what 3. whatever 4. whatsoever 5. which 6. whichever 7. who 8. whoever 9. whom 10. whomever 11. whomsoever 12. whose 13. whoso 14. whosoever Complex Sentence: Examples [using relative pronouns] Example 1: Complex Sentence – She has a house that looks like a palace. Independent clause – She has a house. Dependent clause – That looks like a palace. [This sentence cannot stand on its own.] Example 2: Complex Sentence – This is the book which I bought for him. Independent clause – This is the book. Dependent clause – Which I bought for him. [This sentence cannot stand on its own.] Example 3: Complex Sentences – The school administration praised the boy who won the first prize. Independent clause – School administration praised the boy. Dependent clause – Who won the first prize. [This sentence cannot stand on its own.] Example 4: Complex Sentences – He entered the building whose windows were broken. Independent clause – He entered the building. 

Dependent clause – Whose windows were broken. [This sentence cannot stand on its own.] NOTE: Difference between Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns: Relative Pronouns act as the subject of a dependent clause. Subordinating conjunctions are followed by the subject of their clause.