Complex Sentences A complex sentence combines an independent clause (simple sentence) and at least one dependent clause (subordinate

clause). The dependent clause is introduced by a subordinating conjunction. It cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not provide a complete thought and must be connected to an independent clause.

A subordinate clause can be put in front of a main clause or at the end of the main clause. When the subordinate clause is in front of the main clause, a comma is placed after it. EXAMPLES : After we got our payment, we started planning our trip. = We started planning our trip after we got our payment.

There are three types of subordinate clauses : adverb clauses, adjective (relative) clauses and noun clauses. Adjective clauses modify, qualify and clarify a noun. It may be used to avoid repetition in either the subject or the object of a sentence. The adjective clause is introduced by the following subordinating conjunctions: that, who, which, whom, whose, when, where, and why.

EXAMPLES : Schoolchildren often do poorly. Schoolchildren are not encouraged by their parents. = Schoolchildren who are not encouraged by their parents often do poorly. Nutritionists recommend a diet. The diet contains a lot of variety. = Nutritionists recommend a diet which contains a lot of variety .

EXERCISE 1 : Combine sentences to form an adjective clause.

1. The painting is the most famous portrait in the world. The painting was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci. The painting that/which was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci is the most famous portrait in the world. 2. Animals have webbed feet. Animals are good swimmers. Animals which/that have webbed feet are good swimmers.
3. College students earn high grades. They usually have good study habits. College students who earn high grades usually have good study habits. 4. Scientists fear one kind of ants. These ants are almost impossible to exterminate. Scientists fear one kind of ants which are almost impossible to exterminate. 5. The Nobel Prize was awarded to the scientist. His work may lead to a cure for anemia. The Nobel Prize was awarded to the scientist whose work may lead to a cure for anemia.

Adverb clauses function as an adverb in a sentence. They tell how, when, where, and why. The adverb clauses begin with adverb clause markers. The following are common markers listed according to their meanings and some have more than one meaning. EXAMPLES : We will go out together after he comes. Even though he is tired, he must continue working.

COMMON ADVERB CLAUSE MARKERS

CAUSE/EFFECT : as , because, since , so__that, such__that CONTRAST : though, although , even though, while , whereas , in spite of the fact that MANNER : as if , as though CONDITION : if, in case, provided that, unless, weather or not COPARISON : as, than TIME : as, since, as soon as, as long as, after, before, when, while, by the time, until PURPOSE : so that, in order that

EXERCISE 2 : Combine sentences wth appropriate adverb clause markers.

1. The rock slide damaged the road. No one was injured. Although the rock slide damaged the road, no one was injured.
2. The music was playing. The baby slept soundly. The baby slept soundly while the music was playing.

3. Airplane fare is higher. The group has settled for a bus tour. Because airplane fare is higher, the group has settled for a bus tour.
4. Water is becoming more and more scarce. Farmers continue to irrigate rice paddies. Farmers continue to irrigate rice paddies even though water is becoming more and more scarce.

Noun clauses function as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. They begin with the following clause markers: that, if, whether, who, whoever, what, whatever, and etc. EXAMPLES : I dont know who they are. = That he got the prize didnt surprise us.

EXERCISE 3 : Underline a noun clause in the following sentences.

1. The teacher knows that the students studied their assignment. 2. A university is what a college becomes when the faculty loses interest in students. 3. You really dont want to know what Mrs. Smith giver husband for dinner. 4. Whatever you decide is fine with me. 5. The problem is that my GPS is lost.