Complex Sentences Examples

Complex sentences are sentences that contain one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. They help add more information to a sentence and make writing richer and more interesting.

Complex Sentences - B1 Exercise

This exercise focuses on Because, Since, Although, When, If, While, Unless, or After

What is a Complex Sentence?

A complex sentence has:

An independent clause (a complete sentence that can stand alone).
A dependent clause (a group of words that provides extra information but cannot stand alone as a sentence).

The dependent clause often begins with words like because, if, when, although, since, while, or unless.

Structure of a Complex Sentence

Complex sentences can begin with either the independent clause or the dependent clause. If the sentence begins with a dependent clause, it is often followed by a comma before the independent clause.

Examples of Structure:

Dependent clause, Independent clause.

"Because it was raining, we decided to stay indoors."

Independent clause Dependent clause.

"We decided to stay indoors because it was raining."

Common Subordinating Conjunctions for Complex Sentences

Subordinating conjunctions are words that introduce dependent clauses. Here are some common ones:

Conjunction	Example Sentence
Because	"She left early because she wasn’t feeling well."
Since	"Since he was tired, he went to bed early."
Although	"Although it was late, we kept studying."
When	"When the movie ended, everyone clapped."
If	"If you study hard, you will pass the test."
While	"While I was cooking, my friend called me."
Unless	"You won’t succeed unless you work hard."
After	"After we finished dinner, we watched a movie."

Examples of Complex Sentences

Because:

"I brought an umbrella because it looked like it might rain."

Since:

"Since he loves animals, he decided to become a veterinarian."

Although:

"Although she was tired, she stayed up to finish her homework."

When:

"When we arrived at the park, it started to rain."

"If you help me with my project, I’ll finish faster."

While:

"While they were hiking, they found a beautiful waterfall."

Unless:

"You won’t improve unless you practice every day."

After:

"After he graduated from college, he traveled to Europe."

How to Make Complex Sentences

Choose an Independent Clause (a complete sentence).

Example: "I stayed home."

Add a Dependent Clause that provides extra information.

Example: "because I was feeling tired."

Combine the Clauses with a Subordinating Conjunction.

Final Complex Sentence: "I stayed home because I was feeling tired."

More Examples of Complex Sentences with Explanations

Independent Clause First:

"She loves reading books when it’s raining outside."

Explanation: "She loves reading books" is the independent clause, and "when it’s raining outside" is the dependent clause providing additional information.

Dependent Clause First:

"Although he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam."

Explanation: "Although he studied hard" is the dependent clause, followed by the independent clause "he didn’t pass the exam."

Using Multiple Dependent Clauses:

"When the sun sets and the sky turns pink, the beach looks beautiful."

Explanation: There are two dependent clauses here ("When the sun sets" and "the sky turns pink") that lead to the independent clause, "the beach looks beautiful."

Using Conditional (If):

"If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside and play board games."

Explanation: The dependent clause "If it rains tomorrow" sets a condition, and "we will stay inside and play board games" is the independent clause.

Adding Reason (Because):

"She brought extra water because it was a hot day."

Explanation: The independent clause is "She brought extra water," and the dependent clause is "because it was a hot day."

Complex Sentence Practice

Try making complex sentences by joining an independent clause with a dependent clause. Use subordinating conjunctions like because, although, if, when, since, while, and after.

Example Prompts:

Join these clauses:

Independent Clause: "I went to bed early."
Dependent Clause: "since I was feeling tired."
Complex Sentence: "I went to bed early since I was feeling tired."

Create a Complex Sentence using "because":

Independent Clause: "She wore a sweater."
Dependent Clause: "because it was cold outside."
Complex Sentence: "She wore a sweater because it was cold outside."

Summary Table of Complex Sentence Parts

Component	Description	Example
Independent Clause	A complete thought that can stand alone	"I stayed home."
Dependent Clause	Adds extra information but cannot stand alone	"because it was raining."
Subordinating Conjunction	Words like because, although, when, since	"Since it was cold, I wore a jacket."
Complex Sentence Structure	Combines independent and dependent clauses	"While I was cooking, my friend called me."

FAQ

What’s the difference between an independent and a dependent clause?

An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause needs an independent clause to make sense.

Do I always need a comma in complex sentences?

Use a comma when the dependent clause comes first (e.g., "If it rains, we will stay inside."). No comma is needed if the independent clause comes first.

Can a complex sentence have more than one dependent clause?

Yes! Complex sentences can have multiple dependent clauses, like "When the sun sets and the stars appear, the night looks beautiful."

What are subordinating conjunctions?

Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. Common ones include because, if, when, although, and since.

Why use complex sentences?

Complex sentences make writing more interesting and detailed, as they allow you to add explanations, reasons, and extra information.