Complex Sentences

Sentence Structure Part 2

Sentences are words put together to communicate ideas. You know that a simple sentence is ONE independent clause, and you know that a compound sentence is TWO independent clauses combined with a coordinating conjunction (AND, OR, BUT).

Introducing: the COMPLEX sentence!

First, you need two CLAUSES.

*I will clean your car.

*You will clean the kitchen.

Second, you need a SUBORDINATE conjunction.

*if

You may attach the subordinate conjunction to either clause and connect the ideas.

Example 1: I will clean the car if you will clean the kitchen.

Example 2: If you will clean the kitchen, I will clean the car.

Common Subordinate Conjunctions:

if

when

because

although