Grammar Essentials: The Complete Guide

Mastering Complex Sentences: Adding Depth to Your Writing

Definition:

  • A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
  • Complex sentences add detail, describe cause and effect, or show contrast.

Examples:

  • “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.”
  • “She finished her homework before she went out to play.”

Exercises:

  1. Identify the independent and dependent clauses in this sentence:
    “Although he was tired, he went to the party.”
    • Answer: Independent clause: “he went to the party”; Dependent clause: “Although he was tired”
  2. Combine the two sentences into a complex sentence:
    “She was late. She missed the train.”
    • Answer: “Because she was late, she missed the train.”
  3. Create a complex sentence using “while” to show contrast.
    • Answer: “While I like tea, my brother prefers coffee.”
  4. Identify the conjunction in the sentence:
    “She studied hard because she wanted to pass the test.”
    • Answer: because
  5. Create a sentence with a cause-and-effect relationship using “if.”
    • Answer: “If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.”
  6. Combine these two sentences into a complex sentence:
    “He forgot his homework. He was punished.”
    • Answer: “Because he forgot his homework, he was punished.”
  7. Choose the correct answer:
    “I will stay home ____ it rains.”
    • A) because
    • B) unless
    • C) if
    • Answer: C) if
  8. Identify the dependent clause:
    “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”
    • Answer: If you study hard
  9. Fill in the blank with a conjunction:
    “_____ she was tired, she still went to work.”
    • Answer: Although
  10. Combine these two ideas into one complex sentence:
    “He went to the gym. He didn’t have much time.”
    • Answer: “Although he didn’t have much time, he went to the gym.”