15 Examples of Complex Sentences in English with Structural Analysis
Complex sentences, also known as compound-complex sentences, are critical to effective writing. A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a sentence. The dependent clause is typically introduced by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. Here are 15 examples of complex sentences and their structural analyses.
Example 1: Although she loves oranges, she can't eat them due to an allergy.
Structural analysis: Although (subordinating conjunction) she loves oranges (independent clause), she can't eat them due to an allergy (dependent clause).
Example 2: We went to the park, where we played catch and had a picnic.
Structural analysis: We went to the park (independent clause), where we played catch and had a picnic (dependent clause introduced by the relative pronoun "where").
Example 3: Despite our best efforts, we couldn't find the missing key.
Structural analysis: Despite (subordinating conjunction) our best efforts (dependent clause), we couldn't find the missing key (independent clause).
Example 4: Since he didn't study, he failed the test.
Structural analysis: Since (subordinating conjunction) he didn't study (dependent clause), he failed the test (independent clause).
Example 5: The book that I read last night was very good.
Structural analysis: The book was very good (independent clause), that I read last night (dependent clause introduced by the relative pronoun "that").
Example 6: She always takes a nap, which helps her be more productive later.
Structural analysis: She always takes a nap (independent clause), which helps her be more productive later (dependent clause introduced by the relative pronoun "which").
Example 7: Because I have a meeting later, I need to finish this report quickly.
Structural analysis: Because (subordinating conjunction) I have a meeting later (dependent clause), I need to finish this report quickly (independent clause).
Example 8: I'll go for a run after I finish my work, which usually takes me about an hour.
Structural analysis: I'll go for a run (independent clause), after I finish my work (dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction "after"), which usually takes me about an hour (dependent clause introduced by the relative pronoun "which").
Example 9: He doesn't like coffee, even though he's lived in Seattle for years.
Structural analysis: He doesn't like coffee (independent clause), even though (subordinating conjunction) he's lived in Seattle for years (dependent clause).
Example 10: Though it was raining, they still went for a walk in the park.
Structural analysis: Though (subordinating conjunction) it was raining (dependent clause), they still went for a walk in the park (independent clause).
Example 11: The teacher who taught us math last year was really strict.
Structural analysis: The teacher was really strict (independent clause), who taught us math last year (dependent clause introduced by the relative pronoun "who").
Example 12: I want to buy a new car, but I can't afford one right now.
Structural analysis: I want to buy a new car (independent clause), but (conjunction) I can't afford one right now (independent clause).
Example 13: Before I cook dinner, I need to go grocery shopping.
Structural analysis: Before (subordinating conjunction) I cook dinner (dependent clause), I need to go grocery shopping (independent clause).
Example 14: He had a headache because he hadn't slept well the night before.
Structural analysis: He had a headache (independent clause), because (subordinating conjunction) he hadn't slept well the night before (dependent clause).
Example 15: My favorite show is on tonight, which I'm really looking forward to watching.
Structural analysis: My favorite show is on tonight (independent clause), which I'm really looking forward to watching (dependent clause introduced by the relative pronoun "which").
In conclusion, complex sentences are an essential tool for writing effectively, as they allow for more complex ideas to be expressed in one sentence. By mastering complex sentence structures, you can improve your writing's clarity and readability. Use the 15 examples provided as a starting point to practice constructing your own complex sentences.