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 clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It relies on the independent clause for its meaning. It usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, since, while, if, when, etc.)
Example:
* Independent Clause: *The dog barked loudly.*
* Dependent Clause: *because it was scared.*
Complex Sentence: *The dog barked loudly because it was scared.*
Key Features of a Complex Sentence:
* Subordinating conjunction: Connects the dependent clause to the independent clause.
* Complete thought: The sentence expresses a complete thought, even with the dependent clause.
* Can be combined in different ways: The dependent clause can come before or after the independent clause.
Examples of Complex Sentences:
* Although it was raining, we went to the park. (Dependent clause: "Although it was raining")
* When the bell rang, the students rushed out of the classroom. (Dependent clause: "When the bell rang")
* Because I was tired, I went to bed early. (Dependent clause: "Because I was tired")