Introduction
As a editor, it's crucial to have a strong grasp of complex sentences. Being able to analyze and understand them not only helps with writing content, but also aids in overall writing proficiency. In this article, we will analyze a few examples of complex sentences using high school English principles.
Example 1
Despite the fact that I arrived early, I still managed to miss the beginning of the movie.
This sentence is an example of a complex sentence with a subordinate clause. The main clause is "I still managed to miss the beginning of the movie," while the subordinate clause is "Despite the fact that I arrived early." The subordinate clause adds additional information and provides context to the main clause.
Example 2
The new science teacher, who has a PhD in physics, is an expert in his field.
This sentence is an example of a complex sentence with a relative clause. The main clause is "The new science teacher is an expert in his field," while the relative clause is "who has a PhD in physics." The relative clause adds additional information about the teacher and distinguishes him from other science teachers who may not have a PhD in physics.
Example 3
Although it was raining, the track meet continued as planned.
This sentence is an example of a complex sentence with a dependent clause. The main clause is "the track meet continued as planned," while the dependent clause is "Although it was raining." The dependent clause provides context as to why it may have been difficult to continue with the track meet, but ultimately states that it still went on.
Example 4
After finishing their exams, the students were allowed to leave early.
This sentence is an example of a complex sentence with a prepositional phrase. The main clause is "the students were allowed to leave early," while the prepositional phrase is "After finishing their exams." The prepositional phrase provides context as to why the students were allowed to leave early.
Conclusion
Understanding complex sentences is an essential skill for editors and writers. By breaking down complex sentences and analyzing the roles that subordinate clauses, relative clauses, dependent clauses, and prepositional phrases play, we can improve our overall writing proficiency and create more effective and targeted content.