Complex Sentence Structures: Connecting Ideas with Conjunctions and Subordinating Conjunctions

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The independent clause is a complete sentence that can stand on its own, while the dependent clause cannot stand on its own as a sentence and it needs the independent clause to make sense. Complex sentences are used to connect ideas and add depth and variety to writing.

There are two types of conjunctions that can be used to connect clauses in a complex sentence: coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.

Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect two independent clauses. The most common coordinating conjunctions are “and,” “but,” “or,” “yet,” and “so.”

For example:

• “I finished my homework, and I watched a movie.” (The coordinating conjunction “and” connects the two independent clauses)
• “I wanted to go to the party, but I was too tired.” (The coordinating conjunction “but” connects the two independent clauses)

Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause usually comes first in the sentence and indicates a specific time, place, reason, condition, or manner. Some common subordinating conjunctions are “after,” “although,” “because,” “before,” “if,” “since,” “so that,” “though,” “unless,” “until,” “when,” “where,” “whether,” and “while.”

For example:

• “After I finished my homework, I watched a movie.” (The subordinating conjunction “after” connects the dependent clause “After I finished my homework” and the independent clause “I watched a movie.”)
• “Because it was raining, I decided to stay home.” (The subordinating conjunction “because” connects the dependent clause “Because it was raining” and the independent clause “I decided to stay home.”)

It’s important to note that, the use of complex sentence structures can add depth and variety to writing, but it’s also important to use them in moderation, otherwise they can make the sentence harder to read and understand.

In conclusion, complex sentences are sentences that contain one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. They are used to connect ideas and add depth and variety to writing. Complex sentences can be formed by using coordinating conjunctions, which connect two independent clauses and subordinating conjunctions, which connect an independent clause and a dependent clause. The use of complex sentence structures can add depth and variety to writing but it’s also important to use them in moderation to make the sentence more clear and easy to understand.