In syntax, a sentence with an independent clause and at least one dependent clause (subordinating clause) is referred to as a complex sentence. The dependent clause is introduced by either a subordinate conjunction such as although, while or because or a relative pronoun such as who or which.
[Examples
When I saw what you had done, I was happy.
Independent clause: I was happy.
Dependent clause: When I saw what you had done
That you love me makes me happy.
A complex sentence with a sub-clause functioning as a subject.
Independent clause: (subject) makes me happy.
Dependent clause: That you love me (acting as the subject)
It makes me happy that you love me.
A clefted complex sentence with a sub-clause indicating what the dummy pronoun "It" refers to.
Independent clause: It makes me happy.
Dependent clause: that you love me
The book is where you have put it.
A complex sentence with a sub-clause functioning as subject complement. "Be" is a copula verb; it links the sub-clause to the subject.
Independent clause: The book is (complement).
Dependent clause: where you have put it (acting as the complement)
2006-11-13 10:04:18
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answer #1
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answered by gare 5
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The Complex Sentence
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Unlike a compound sentence, however, a complex sentence contains clauses which are not equal. Consider the following examples:
Simple
My friend invited me to a party. I do not want to go.
Compound
My friend invited me to a party, but I do not want to go.
Complex
Although my friend invited me to a party, I do not want to go.
In the first example, there are two separate simple sentences: "My friend invited me to a party" and "I do not want to go." The second example joins them together into a single sentence with the co-ordinating conjunction "but," but both parts could still stand as independent sentences -- they are entirely equal, and the reader cannot tell which is most important. In the third example, however, the sentence has changed quite a bit: the first clause, "Although my friend invited me to a party," has become incomplete, or a dependent clause.
A complex sentence is very different from a simple sentence or a compound sentence because it makes clear which ideas are most important. When you write
My friend invited me to a party. I do not want to go.
or even
My friend invited me to a party, but I do not want to go.
The reader will have trouble knowing which piece of information is most important to you. When you write the subordinating conjunction "although" at the beginning of the first clause, however, you make it clear that the fact that your friend invited you is less important than, or subordinate, to the fact that you do not want to go.
2006-11-13 18:05:42
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answer #2
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answered by ♥ Cassie ♥ 5
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A complex sentence contains one or more dependent clauses in addition to the main clause. Example:
When the bell rings, walk out.
I hope this helps
2006-11-13 18:10:55
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answer #3
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answered by like2sew@sbcglobal.net 1
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A complex sentence is, for example, one which contains many (but not too many) commas, or other punctuation marks!
(thats one)
When I crossed the road, with my red hat on, I noticed that there was a five pound note on the ground, although upon closer inspection it turned out to be something rather different, a concert ticket to the next Britney Spears - The Comeback - tour.
2006-11-13 18:06:30
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answer #4
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answered by Helen 4
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First answer is correct. Example:
Because I am typing an answer in Yahoo Answers, I am not completing my work.
(Subordinate/dependent clause :"Because I am typing an answer in Yahoo Answers,")
(Independent clause ("I am not completing my work.")
2006-11-13 18:05:54
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answer #5
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answered by Perdendosi 7
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The girl, my cousin, wants to go to the mall, yet my sister, Andrea, would rather go to the park.
Although she was in love, her love was blinded by her quest to have a child.
2006-11-13 18:04:28
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answer #6
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answered by FaZizzle 7
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if a bum bee stung a bum bee on its bum bee what colour would the bum bees bum bee
bum bee tartan
yyyyyyyyy eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee sssssssssss
2006-11-13 18:08:53
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answer #7
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answered by DAVID M 3
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