Introduction
In the world of writing, there are various sentence structures that can be used to effectively communicate an idea. One of the most complex and sophisticated sentence structures in English is the complex sentence. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause and is often used in academic and professional writing. In this article, we will explore the structure of a complex sentence in detail.
The Structure of a Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is made up of two parts: an independent clause and a dependent clause. An independent clause is a complete sentence that can stand alone and expresses a complete thought. A dependent clause, on the other hand, cannot stand alone and relies on the independent clause to make sense. The dependent clause typically begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.
For example, "Maria went to the store" is an independent clause. "After Maria went to the store" is a dependent clause. The two clauses can be combined to make a complex sentence: "After Maria went to the store, she realized that she forgot her wallet."
Types of Dependent Clauses
There are three types of dependent clauses: noun clauses, adjective clauses, and adverb clauses. A noun clause functions as a noun and can act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. An adjective clause acts as an adjective and modifies a noun or pronoun. An adverb clause functions as an adverb and modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb in a sentence.
For example, "What Maria said" is a noun clause that can act as the subject of a sentence: "What Maria said was very interesting." "Whose car is parked outside" is an adjective clause that modifies the noun "car": "The car whose owner is unknown is parked outside." "When Maria arrived at the store" is an adverb clause that modifies the verb "arrived": "When Maria arrived at the store, it was already closed."
Benefits of Using Complex Sentences
The use of complex sentences can greatly enhance the clarity and sophistication of a piece of writing. Complex sentences allow the writer to express ideas more precisely by conveying relationships between different parts of a sentence. They also demonstrate a higher level of understanding of how language works.
Furthermore, complex sentences are commonly used in academic and professional writing. In order to effectively communicate in these settings, it is important to have a solid understanding of complex sentence structure and usage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the complex sentence is a valuable tool for writers who want to express their ideas in a clear and sophisticated manner. Understanding the structure of a complex sentence and the different types of dependent clauses that can be used is essential for effective writing in academic and professional settings. By mastering the use of complex sentences, writers can take their writing to the next level and enhance their ability to communicate their ideas clearly and concisely.