The document discusses complex sentences, which contain an independent clause and at least one dependent clause joined by a conjunction. A clause must have a subject and verb and can stand alone as a simple sentence. However, in a complex sentence the dependent clause does not form a complete thought without the independent clause. Examples are provided to illustrate complex sentences with clauses of different types joined by conjunctions.

1. Complex Sentences

2.  Complex sentences don’t divide into neat complete sentences if you take out
the conjunction. In complex sentences the conjunction is used to join clauses
together.
 A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, a complete
thought. But whilst they can be short simple sentences, in a complex
sentence, at least one clause will depend on the conjunction for its
meaning (subordinate clause, also called a dependant clause).
 If you take the conjunction away the sentence won’t divide into complete
units that make sense on their own.

3. Let’s break it down and colour the different
parts of the sentence.
 The dinner was burned because she had forgotten it.
 The dinner was burned = complete short sentence.
 Because = conjunction
 She had forgotten it = subordinate clause. It doesn’t make sense on its
own. What had she forgotten? It needs the rest of the sentence to create
meaning.
 The dinner was burned because she had forgotten it.

4. Examples of complex sentences with colour:

 Although I love doing it, running hurts my knees.
 She would prefer to go to the movies rather than see him play football.
 I became very nervous after seeing others before me bungy jump.
 He moved seats so that she could sit next to him.

5. Examples of complex sentences without
colour:

 I love gooey chocolate cake whereas it makes my mum sick.
 I found I could read quickly once I practiced doing it.
 In order to make life easier, the family hired a chef.
 As long as I ignore the noise, it doesn’t bother me.