Basic Structure:
* Independent Clause (IC) + Dependent Clause (DC)
Examples:
1. Although I was tired, I went for a walk.
* IC: I went for a walk.
* DC: Although I was tired. (This clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence)
2. The dog barked because it was hungry.
* IC: The dog barked.
* DC: Because it was hungry.
3. Because the weather was nice, we went to the park.
* IC: We went to the park.
* DC: Because the weather was nice.
4. I'll go to the store after I finish my work.
* IC: I'll go to the store.
* DC: After I finish my work.
Subordinating Conjunctions:
The dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like:
* Because
* Although
* While
* Since
* If
* When
* After
* Before
* Unless
Additional Notes:
* Complex sentences can have multiple dependent clauses.
* The dependent clause can come before or after the independent clause.
* Complex sentences can be used to add detail, clarify meaning, and create a more interesting and engaging writing style.
More Complex Examples:
1. While I was waiting for the bus, I saw a man wearing a bright yellow hat, which made me smile.
* IC: I saw a man wearing a bright yellow hat.
* DC 1: While I was waiting for the bus.
* DC 2: which made me smile.
2. Because the company was struggling, they had to lay off employees, which caused a lot of anxiety among the remaining staff.
* IC: They had to lay off employees.
* DC 1: Because the company was struggling.
* DC 2: which caused a lot of anxiety among the remaining staff.
Remember, a complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The key is to look for a subordinating conjunction that connects the clauses.