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Reference · Originally published by Josh Liljenquist. KitGlade presents this as reference material.

Writing reference

Complex Sentence Examples

Study original examples that pair one independent clause with at least one dependent clause, then use the structure notes to write your own.

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What makes a sentence complex?

A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. A comma usually follows an opening dependent clause; a closing dependent clause often needs no comma unless meaning or emphasis calls for one.

24 original complex sentence examples

  1. Although the forecast improved, the team kept a cash reserve. Structure: dependent clause + independent clause.
  2. When the library opened, the students moved to the quiet floor. Structure: dependent clause + independent clause.
  3. The trail becomes slippery whenever the temperature drops. Structure: independent clause + dependent clause.
  4. Because the source lacked a date, Mara marked the claim as unverified. Structure: reason clause + independent clause.
  5. If the sensor fails again, the backup alarm will sound. Structure: condition clause + independent clause.
  6. The garden recovered after the rain returned. Structure: independent clause + time clause.
  7. While the bread cooled, the kitchen filled with a toasted aroma. Structure: time clause + independent clause.
  8. I saved the receipt so that I could document the expense. Structure: independent clause + purpose clause.
  9. Even though the route was longer, it avoided construction. Structure: concession clause + independent clause.
  10. The musicians paused until the conductor raised her hand. Structure: independent clause + time clause.
  11. Since the museum was crowded, we started with the upstairs gallery. Structure: reason clause + independent clause.
  12. Wherever the creek bends, cottonwoods shade the bank. Structure: place clause + independent clause.
  13. Unless the wind settles, the ferry will remain at the dock. Structure: condition clause + independent clause.
  14. The editor shortened the paragraph because two examples repeated the same point. Structure: independent clause + reason clause.
  15. As the lights dimmed, the audience stopped talking. Structure: time clause + independent clause.
  16. Nina brought an extra charger in case the meeting ran late. Structure: independent clause + condition clause.
  17. Though the first test failed, the revised method produced stable results. Structure: concession clause + independent clause.
  18. We will publish the schedule once every speaker confirms. Structure: independent clause + time clause.
  19. Before you sign the form, check the account number. Structure: time clause + independent clause.
  20. The paint dried faster than the label predicted. Structure: independent clause + comparison clause.
  21. If you reduce the batch size, the mixture will cool more evenly. Structure: condition clause + independent clause.
  22. The dog waited by the window while the storm passed. Structure: independent clause + time clause.
  23. Because each file used the same names, the archive was easy to search. Structure: reason clause + independent clause.
  24. Although the map was old, its trail markers remained accurate. Structure: concession clause + independent clause.

Complex versus complicated

“Complex” describes clause structure, not difficulty. A short sentence can be complex, and a long sentence can remain simple if it has only one independent clause.

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