that is your answer but it doesn't mention an independent clause this is because all sentences have an independent clause since the subordinate(dependent) clauses need something to depend on especially when it is only one subordinate clause. So it has one independent clause with one or more subordinate clause or clauses. Show
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent and at least one dependent clause (sometimes called a subordinate clause). An independent clause is a phrase that would make sense if it were a sentence on its own, whereas a dependent clause will not form a sentence on its own. When these two types of clauses appear in a sentence, we create a complex sentence. Consider this example:
“I like to eat the candy” is an independent clause as it would make a complete sentence on its own. “Before I watch a movie” is a dependent clause, as it doesn’t make a complete sentence on its own. It is ‘dependent’ on the first clause for the phrase to make sense. Complex Sentence DefinitionThe definition of a complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Examples of Complex SentencesIn the examples of complex sentences below, the dependent clause comes first. Notice that the dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (words like since, because, while) and that the clauses are separated by a comma:
In the complex sentence examples shown below, the independent clause comes first. Notice that in most examples there is no separation of the clauses by a comma, which is the general rule in complex sentences starting with an independent clause. However, the last example has a comma as it is an example of an extreme contrast. This extreme contrast refers to the clauses expressing ideas that are almost opposite in meaning or that must be heavily emphasized.
Independent and Dependent ClausesWe have mentioned several times that a complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. But what are clauses in a sentence? And why are they important in grammar? Let’s look back at the earlier example of a complex sentence:
As we stated earlier, “I like to eat candy” is an independent clause. It makes sense as a standalone sentence. “Before I watch a movie” does not make sense on its own. However, let’s tweak the sentence a bit:
The sentence now contains two independent clauses, as “I like to eat candy” and “I don’t like to eat popcorn” could both form complete sentences. The example has now become a compound sentence, i.e. one that contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (but). However, there is an important distinction to be made when a subordinating conjunction is added to a clause. These words – such as since, whenever, although, because – act to make a clause a dependent clause, even if it looks like an independent clause.
Common Complex Sentence ExamplesAs we have seen with the previous examples, the structure for a complex sentence essentially looks like this:
So, using that structure we can easily form examples of complex sentences:
You should also be aware that a complex sentence can contain more than one dependent clause. Here are some examples of those types of complex sentences:
Complex Sentences from LiteratureBelow are some quotes from that classic books that can be considered complex sentences:
The 4 Types of Sentence StructureA complex sentence is, of course, just one type of sentence we can use in writing. The four types of sentence are discussed below:
As we have mentioned, a complex sentence is one with an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example:
A compound sentence is one with two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, but, and, nor, or, yet, so). Example:
A simple sentence is one with only one independent clause and no dependent clauses. Example:
A compound-complex sentence is one with at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Subordinating ConjunctionsThere are dozens of subordinating conjunctions in English, and their usage is intrinsically linked to dependent (subordinate) clauses. Common examples of subordinating conjunctions include: After, before, even though, although, as much as, when, whenever, because, as long as, while, since. These words and phrases act as modifiers to a sentence, sometimes changing the phrase from an independent clause to a dependent clause. There are two main ways to think about subordinating clauses:
Using Subordinate Clauses in Complex SentencesAs we mentioned earlier, a subordinate clause is another way of terming a dependent clause. Both words, subordinate and dependent, offer clues to help us better understand the function of these clauses in writing. Dependent means contingent on or determined by, whereas subordinate means lower in rank or position. That tells us that – grammatically speaking – subordinate/dependent clauses are not equal to the independent clause in a sentence. The independent clause and subordinate clause are not equal because the latter cannot form a sentence on its own. The subordinate clause is, as such, dependent on the independent clause to provide the complete meaning. You cannot create a complex sentence without using a subordinate clause in it. Other types of sentences – compound sentences, simple sentences – can exist without subordinate clauses. When you think about it, the subordinate clause is what makes the sentence ‘complex’. The subordinate clause requires the help of the independent clause for it to make sense. It reaches back or forward across the sentence to contextualize itself, making the sentence more ‘complex’ in the process. What has one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses?Complex Sentence
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
What is an independent clause and subordinate clause?An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate (the verb and its modifiers) and can function as a complete sentence. A dependent or subordinate clause also contains a subject and a predicate, but it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and needs to be attached to an independent clause.
What is the consist of one independent clause?A simple sentence is made up of only one independent clause. An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and forms a complete thought when standing alone. The subject refers to someone or something (the subject contains at least one noun or pronoun).
What has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses?A sentence which consists of one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses is called a complex sentence.
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