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Definition
A complex sentence is a sentence that contains an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, but a dependent clause even though it has a subject and a verb cannot stand alone.
Characteristics
- There is one independent clause or main clause (complete sentences)
- There are one or more dependent clauses or adverbial clauses/adjective clauses (incomplete sentence/idea)
- Joined by subordinate conjunctions / relative pronouns.
A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. This means that the clauses are not equal, they use a co-ordinating conjunction that changes the rank of one or more of the clauses to make it less equal. For example;
My Dad laughed when I told a joke.
Independent clause / subordinating conjunction / dependent clause
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