1 / 9

Complex sentences

Learn about complex sentence structures, subordinating conjunctions, relative pronouns, and the importance of using complex sentences in writing to enhance sophistication, connect ideas, and achieve sentence variety.

ernestn
Download Presentation

Complex sentences

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Complex sentences Complex sentences contain a dependent clause and an independent clause.

  2. Complex Sentences Definition: Complex sentences are comprised of oneindependent clause and one or more dependent clause. Independent clauses: • can stand alone as a complete sentence • contain a subject and a verb and • expressa complete thought. Dependent clauses: • contain a subject and a verb • cannot stand alone as a complete sentence • do not express a complete thought

  3. Examples: • Independent clause: The rainforestcould disappear. • Dependant clause: Unless stepsare taken immediately. • Complex sentence: The rainforest could disappear unless steps are taken immediately.

  4. Types of complex sentences There are two types of complex sentences. • Subordinating conjunctions • Example: When the fish ate the bait, Martina reeled it in. • Relative pronouns • Example: Email, which has been popular for many years, is losing its status to text and instant messaging.

  5. Type 1: Subordinating Conjunctions Subordinate conjunctions express: • Time (after, before, until, when, while, since …) • Reason or cause (as, because) • Result or effect (in order that, so that) • Condition (even if, if, unless) • Contrast (although, even though, though, whereas)

  6. 2 Patterns with Subordinate Conjunctions • Dependent clause, independent clause. (comma) • Example: Even though she studied for the exam until 2 a.m., she did not receive an A. • Independent clause dependent clause. (no comma) • Example: She did not receive an A even though she studied for the exam until 2 a.m.

  7. Relative Pronouns • Relative pronouns: Who, which, that • Who refers to people – He is the man who bought the car. • Which refers to things – Years of effort produced the Hubble telescope, which is very powerful. • That refers to things or to groups of people – The subject that we discussed was global warming. The Beatles was the band that changed music forever.

  8. Punctuating Complex Sentences with relative pronouns • That: No commas are necessary • Example: The freshman did the homework that was assigned. • Who, which: Commas may be necessary • Commas are necessary when the information in the clause is non-restrictive – when the information is extra and not necessary to the meaning of the sentence. • Example: My car, which is a Honda, is very old. • Commas are not necessary when the information in the clause is restrictive – when the information is necessary to the meaning of the sentence. • Example: The car which is in the yellow zone is going to be towed.

  9. Complex Sentences: Importance Complex sentences are important in writing. • They make writing more sophisticated. • They help connect ideas. • They show the relationship between ideas. • They help writers achieve sentence variety • They can help writers have more impact.

More Related