How to Write Complex Sentences

A simple sentence, also called an independent clause, can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause cannot stand alone. We form a complex sentence when we connect an independent clause to a dependent clause to make one complete sentence. Read on to learn how to write complex sentences.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An independent clause
• A dependent clause
• Commas
• Semi-colons
• Subordinating conjunctions
• Relative pronouns

1. Add a subordinating conjunction to the dependent clause. Frequently used subordinating conjunctions include after, if, once, unless, when, since and because.

2. Place a comma after the dependent clause when making a complex sentence. Example: “Although I drove all day, I am not tired.” The word ‘although’ is a subordinating conjunction. Note that the part of the sentence with the subordinating conjunction is a dependent clause and the part of the sentence after the comma is an independent clause.

3. Leave out the comma when the subordinating conjunction comes after the dependent clause. Example: I am tired after driving all day. Note that the clause that follows the subordinating conjunction is a dependent clause (not a complete sentence).

4. Use a relative pronoun to form a complex sentence. Some examples of relative pronouns include: that, which, whose and what. The relative pronoun introduces a dependent clause and describes a noun or a pronoun.

Tips & Warnings

• ‘Who’ refers to people, and ‘that’ and ‘which’ refer to things.
• A dependent clause and a subordinating conjunction do NOT make a complete sentence. You must make a complex sentence by adding an independent clause.

Resources

• More on forming complex sentences