There are three types of sentences in English: Simple, compound and complex

sentences. This worksheet focuses on writing complex sentences and is ideal for
intermediate to upper intermediate level classes. Teachers can feel free to print-out
this page to use in-class.
Complex Sentences - What are They?
Complex sentences are made up of two clauses - an independent clause and and a
dependent clause. ndependent clauses are similar to simple sentences. They can stand
alone and function as a sentence. !ependent clauses, however, need to "e used
together with an independent clause to make sense. #ere are some examples:
Independent Clauses
We didn't pass the test. Angela won the competition. The doctor will go ahead with
the operation.
Dependent Clauses
Although we had studied for a long time Because she had practiced for weeks If he
gets positive test results
$otice how the first group of sentences, the independent clauses, can "e used as
complete sentences. The dependent clauses, on the other hand, are missing an element
%the independent clause& to make sense.
#ere are the two clauses com"ined to make complex sentences:
Although we had studied for a long time, we didn't pass the test. Angela won the
competition because she had practiced for weeks. The doctor will go ahed with the
operation if he gets positive test results.
Complex sentences are written "y using su"ordinating con'unctions to connect the
two clauses. These su"ordinating con'unctions fall into different categories. #ere are
the most common su"ordinating con'unctions "ased on their function. (hen
"eginning a sentence with a su"ordinating con'unction, place a comma at the end of
the clause. There is no need for a comma if the su"ordinating con'unction introduces
the dependent clause in the middle of the sentence.
Showing Opposition or Unexpected Results
although / even though / though
)lthough felt he was wrong, decided to trust him.
Sharon started looking for a new 'o" even though she was currently employed.
Though couldn*t understand a word, we had a great time+
Showing Cause and !!ect
because / since / as
Since you need some help, *ll come over this afternoon.
#enry felt he needed to take some time off "ecause he had "een working so hard.
The parents paid for extra lessons as the children were very gifted.
xpressing Time
when / as soon as / before / after / by
,y the time you get this letter, will have left for $ew -ork.
used to play a lot of tennis when was a teenager.
(e had a wonderful dinner after she had arrived.
xpressing Conditions
if / unless / in the case that
f were you, would take my time with that pro'ect.
They won*t come next week unless you ask them to do so.
n the case that he isn*t availa"le, we*ll look for another consultant.
Complex Sentence Wor"sheet
.se su"ordinating con'unctions %though, if, when, "ecause, etc.& to connect the
sentences into one complex sentence.
#enry needs to learn English. will teach him.
t was raining outside. (e went for a walk.
/enny needs to ask me. will "uy it for her.
-vonne played golf extremely well. She was very young.
0ranklin wants to get a new 'o". #e is preparing for 'o" interviews.
*m writing a letter, and *m leaving. -ou will find it tomorrow.
1arvin thinks he will "uy the house. #e 'ust wants to know what his wife
thinks.
Cindy and !avid had "reakfast. They left for work.
really en'oyed the concert. The music was too loud.
)lexander has "een working sixty hours a week. There is an important
presentation next week.
usually work out at the gym early in the morning. leave for work at eight
a.m.
The car was extremely expensive. ,o" didn*t have much money. #e "ought
the car.
!ean sometimes goes to the cinema. #e en'oys going with his friend !oug.
!oug visits once a month.
prefer to watch T2 "y streaming over the internet. t allows me to watch
what want when want.
Sometimes it happens that we have a lot of rain. put the chairs on the patio in
the garage when we have rain.
Continue to the next page to check your answers.
There are other variations that are possi"le than those provided in the answers. )sk
your teacher for other ways to connect these to write complex sentences.
)s #enry needs to learn English, will teach him.
(e went for a walk even though it was raining.
f /enny asks me, will "uy it for her.
-vonne played golf extremely well when she was young.
,ecause 0ranklin wants to get a new 'o", he is preparing for 'o" interviews.
.nless his wife doesn*t like the house, 1arvin will "uy it.
)fter Cindy and !avid had eaten "reakfast, they left for work.
really en'oyed the concert although the music was too loud.
)s )lexander has an important presentation next week, he has "een working
sixty hours a week.
usually work out at the gym "efore leave for work at eight.
Though ,o" didn*t have much money, he "ought the extremely expensive car.
f !oug visits, they go to the cinema.
Since it allows me to watch what want when want, prefer to watch T2 "y
streaming over the internet.
f it rains a lot, put the chairs on the patio in the garage.