a presentation on a topic

1. COMPLEX
SENTENCE
a presentation by Albina G. and
Ulviyya H.

2. Complex Sentence.
Before we talk about complex sentences in English, we must know and understand some
important terms:
• A phrase
• A clause
• Dependent and independent
• Sentence
A phrase:
• group of words, but not
a complete thought
• cannot stand alone
• misses a sub./main verb.
A clause:
• group of words, w/ a
subject and verb
• two types
• is complete
A sentence:
• group of words, w/ a
subject and verb
• is complete
• is conveying some info

3. What is a complex sentence?
A complex sentence contains one independent and one dependent clause.
e.g.: Because you love me, I love you.
independent clause
dependent clause
A dependent clause – group of words with a subject and verb, however, it is not
complete; therefore it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
e.g.: Although the dog is brown.
fragment

4. Formulas of Complex sentences
Method one: independent clause + dependent clause.
e.g.: Orpheus lost Eurydice because he did not obey the gods’ orders.
(independent clause) + (dependent clause– cannot stand alone)
Method two: dependent clause + a comma (,) + independent clause
e.g.: because he did not obey the gods’ orders, Orpheus lost Eurydice.
(dependent clause, or fragment) (independent clause)
0

5. A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb, but begins with a
subordinating conjunction.
before when if
after unless since
Because while through
although until
• complex sentences often show
cause-and-effect
• in order to identify a complex
sentence, look for the subordinating
conjunction
• there is no comma before the
subordinating conjunction

6. Relative pronouns can be used to begin a relative clause,
which is also “dependent” and can be used in a complex
sentence.
e.g.: My uncle, who plays for the Huston Astros, is
coming to visit this week.
• Who ----- to talk about people/animals
e.g.: My daughter, who is 5-years old, like to play in
the garden
• Which ------ to add non essential-information
e.g.: A platypus, which is my favourite animal, was
recently added to the exhibits in the zoo.
• That ------- to add essential information
e.g.: An animal that I like the best is a platypus.
Commas for non-
essential clauses
No commas for
essential clauses

7. It is critical to know the difference between these three types of words:
• Coordinating conjunctions (aka FANBOYS)
for, and, not, but, or, yet, so
• Conjunctive Adverbs (aka transitions)
however, therefore, consequently, also, then, thus, otherwise
• Subordinating conjunctions (dependent words)
because, although, since, while, when, unless, if, etc
Complex sentences always have one independent clause, but they can have more than
one dependent clause if necessary.
e.g.: Although he was wealthy, he was still unhappy because he was alone.

8. Substantive clause
A substantive clause is a type of dependent clause that acts as a noun in a sentence. It
can serve as the subject, object, or complement of the sentence.
e.g.: That he was late for the meeting was unfortunate.
substantive clause linking verb
predicate
Divided into three:
• Subject ( acts as a subject)
• Object ( acts as an object)
• Complement

9. A subject substantive clause is a type of subordinate clause that functions as the
subject of the sentence. It typically begins with a subordinating conjunction such as
“but that," "whether," “if”, “because” etc., connectives – pronouns: “who”, “whoever”,
“what”, “whatever” etc., pronominal adverbs: “where”, “whenever”, “when” etc.
e.g.: That he is coming to the party is great news.
The subject substantive clause "That he is coming to the party" functions as the
subject of the sentence.
This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "that" and contains the subject
"he" and the verb "is coming." The entire clause functions as a noun phrase that
serves as the subject of the main clause.
main clause
subordinate clause