Writing: Sentence Construction & Variety (B1) - Lesson 2: Introduction to Complex Sentences
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Hello B1 Learners! 👋
You've learned about simple and compound sentences. Today, we're taking another step to make your writing even more sophisticated by learning about complex sentences.
Complex sentences help you connect ideas in more detailed ways, showing relationships like time, reason, condition, or giving more information about a noun.
In this lesson, you will:
- Understand what makes a sentence complex (independent and dependent clauses).
- Learn about common subordinating conjunctions (like "when", "if", "because").
- Learn about basic relative pronouns (like "who", "which", "that").
- Practice forming and punctuating complex sentences.
What is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence has one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
- Independent Clause: This is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. (e.g., "I watched TV.")
- Dependent Clause: This is NOT a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. It often starts with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun, and it needs an independent clause to make sense. (e.g., "when I finished my homework")
When we join them, we get a complex sentence:
I watched TV when I finished my homework.
Or, with the dependent clause first (notice the comma!):
When I finished my homework, I watched TV.
Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. They show relationships like time, reason, condition, or contrast.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions:
- Time: when, while, after, before, as soon as, until
Example: After she finished her work, she went home. - Reason: because, since, as
Example: He passed the exam because he studied hard. - Condition: if, unless
Example: If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside. - Contrast: although, even though, though, while
Example: Although he was tired, he finished the race.
Using Relative Pronouns (who, which, that)
Relative pronouns introduce dependent clauses that describe a noun (these are called relative clauses or adjective clauses).
Common Relative Pronouns:
- who (for people)
Example: The woman who lives next door is very friendly. - which (for things or animals)
Example: This is the book which I enjoyed a lot. - that (for people, things, or animals - often used in defining clauses)
Example: The car that is parked outside is mine.
For B1, we will focus on relative clauses that identify or define the noun (defining relative clauses). These usually don't use commas around them when they come after the noun they describe.
Punctuation in Complex Sentences
The main punctuation rule for complex sentences with subordinating conjunctions depends on where the dependent clause is:
- Rule 1: Dependent Clause First
If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma , after the dependent clause.
Example: When the bell rings, the students leave.
Example: Because she felt ill, she went to the doctor. - Rule 2: Independent Clause First
If the independent clause comes before the dependent clause, you usually do not need a comma before the subordinating conjunction.
Example: The students leave when the bell rings.
Example: She went to the doctor because she felt ill.
For relative clauses (with who, which, that) that define the noun, we usually don't use commas around them. (e.g., "The book that I read was interesting.")
Practice Complex Sentences!
Let's practice forming and punctuating complex sentences.
✨ Tips for Writing Complex Sentences ✨
- Identify Clauses: Practice finding the independent (main) clause and the dependent (subordinate) clause.
- Choose the Right Linker: Select a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun that shows the correct relationship between the ideas.
- Punctuation Check: Remember the comma rule: if the dependent clause starts the sentence, use a comma after it.
- Clarity is Key: Does your complex sentence clearly express your idea? Sometimes, two simple sentences are better if a complex one becomes too confusing.
- Vary Your Sentences: Using a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences makes your writing more engaging.
Excellent Sentence Building! 🎉
You've taken an important step in learning how to write more detailed and sophisticated sentences. Keep practicing with complex sentences!