Here's a breakdown:
* Independent clause: A complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb.
* Dependent clause: A group of words that has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a sentence. It relies on the independent clause for its meaning.
Here's an example:
* Independent clause: The dog barked.
* Dependent clause: because it was hungry.
Combined, these clauses make a complex sentence: The dog barked because it was hungry.
Key Features of Complex Sentences:
* Subordinating conjunctions: These words connect the dependent clause to the independent clause and show the relationship between the two. Some common subordinating conjunctions include: because, since, although, while, when, if, unless, etc.
* Relative pronouns: These pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) introduce a dependent clause that modifies a noun in the main clause.
Example with a relative pronoun:
* The book that I borrowed from the library was very interesting.
Benefits of Complex Sentences:
* Add complexity and depth to writing.
* Show relationships between ideas.
* Provide more information and detail.
Examples of Complex Sentences:
* Although it was raining, we went for a walk. (Dependent clause: "Although it was raining")
* I will go to the store if I have time. (Dependent clause: "if I have time")
* The girl who lives next door is my best friend. (Dependent clause: "who lives next door")
Let me know if you'd like more examples or have any other questions!