What is a complex sentence?

A complex sentence contains one independent clause

and one (or more) dependent clauses. In a complex
sentence, one idea is generally more important than
the other one. The more important idea is placed in the
independent clause, and the less important is placed
in the dependent clause.
 Dependent Independent
Clause Clause

Because the storm hit the game was canceled

Less important Important

Complex sentence
Independent clause subordinator Dependent clause
The game was canceled because the storm hit

Subordinator dependent clasue , independent clause

Because the storm hit , the game was canceled
 When foreign students come to the United States , they
suffer sometimes from culture shock.

 Foreign students suffer sometimes from culture shock

when they come to the United States.
Task 1: Read each complex sentence then guess the
meaning of each coordinator.
1. As Sherri blew out the candles atop her birthday cake,
she caught her hair on fire.
2. Sara begins to sneeze whenever she opens the window to
get a breath of fresh air.
3. Although he was tired, he couldn’t sleep.
4. I’ll lend you a map so that you can find the place more
easily.
5. As soon as the alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button.
6. You can't go into the reception if you haven’t got a ticket.
7. After the basement flooded, we spent all day cleaning
up.
8. Until spring arrives, we have to be prepared for more
snow.
9. We haven't seen Emma since she went to work in New
York a year ago.
10. Since you’ve studied so well, you can go outside and
play.
 Subordinators
Subordinators Meaning
After As soon as Before As Time
Since Until When While
Although Even though Though Contrast /
Inspite the fact that Despite the fact that Concession
Since Because As Cause / Reason
If Provided that Providing that Condition
As long as
Unless* Warning
Where Wherever* Place
So that In order that Purpose
 My pet lion will not bite you unless you get too close.
 You’ll miss the train unless you hurry.
 My pet lion will not bite you unless you get too close.
if not
 You’ll miss the train unless you hurry.
if not

Unless = if not
Task 2: Combine the following pairs of sentences to form
complex ones. Provide correct punctuation.
1. Although many people believe animals don’t feel
human emotions.
2. Because they are social animals.
3. For example, whenever two friendly chimpanzees
see each other.
4. After her baby chimpanzee had died.
5. Before six months had passed.
6. Since Banzo was born.
7. Wherever Banzo goes.
8. Since Sheena changed after Banzo’s birth.
a. They clasp hands and call out greetings.
b. Sheena watches him with love.
c. Champanzees feel emotions like joy, sadness,
and love.
d. She serves as an example of animal emotion.
e. Sheena became very sad.
f. That is not true.
g. Sheena is quite happy and smiles a lot.
h. Sheena became pregnant again.
1, Although many people believe
animals don’t feel human emotions.
2, Because they are social animals
3, For example, whenever two
friendly chimpanzees see each other.
4, After her baby chimpanzee had
died.
5, Before six months had passed.
6, Since Banzo was born.
7, Wherever Banzo goes.
8, Since Sheena changed after
Banzo’s birth.
a, They clasp hands and call
out greetings.
b, Sheena watches him with
love.
c, Champanzees feel emotions
like joy, sadness, and love.
d, She serves as an example of
animal emotion.
e, Sheena became very sad.
f, That is not true.
g, Sheena is quite happy and
smiles a lot.
h, Sheena became pregnant
again.
Task 4: Write complex sentences that could describe each
picture /theme.

Car crash/collision _ Issue a ticket _ Give somebody a fine _

Electricity pole
Thief/burglar/Robber/looter _ Gun/Rifle/Handgun/ _ Mask _ Bag
 Riot/
Uproar
Brawl
Ravage
/ ˈræv.ɪdʒ
Wipe out
Vadalism
 Rubbish/ Trash/ Litter
Dispose of (something) /
Get rid of (something)
Careless/negligent /reckless
Bin

Car wash station

Robbery
Malicious / vicious / evil
Trust/put faith into (something)
Confide in (somebody)
Blame / admonish / Reproach
Chide (to speak to someone severely because they have behaved
badly)
Point the finger at
Cake
Capsize (to cause a boat or ship to turn upside down by accident while on water)
Coast _ Coast guard _ Illegal immigration _ Despair _ War _
Agony (extreme physical or mental pain or suffering)