Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is a sentence that begins with a dependent clause and ends with an independent

clause. There is a comma between the two clauses but no conjunction after the comma, like in a

compound sentence.

Example 1:

"When we wash the griffin, we are careful not to get bit."

Pattern:

DC, comma, IC

Example 2:

"Even though the cat helped find the treasure, he was still kicked off the boat."

Note: A complex sentence must begin with a dependent clause, which cannot stand as a complete

thought on its own. Dependent clauses may contain a subject and predicate.

Example 3:

"Bill is a really great guy" = Independent Clause (IC)

"Although Bill is a really great guy" = Dependent Clause (DC)

Note: It is only a complex sentence if the dependent clause comes first and not second. Otherwise,

it is a simple sentence.

Example 4 (The dependent clauses are bold):

"I have a monkey and a great story." = Simple Sentence (IC)

"When you have a great story, makes sure to tell the monkey."= Complex Sentence