Complex Sentences

Learning Objectives EN4

• Identifying independent and dependent clauses in simple sentences, compound sentences*, and complex sentences*.

• Writing correct compound and complex sentences at A2 CEF level (ERK).

*compound sentence= samengestelde zin

*complex sentence= onderschikkend samengestelde zin

Learning Objectives A2 CEF Level

After this class you:

• can write sentences related to matters of immediate necessity (email, order form, quotation, request, complaint form, etc.).

• can write sentences about family, living conditions, educational background, current or most recent job writing.

• can easily compose* personal/semi-formal letters/emails to convey* gratitude or apology to a colleague, client, customer or guest.

*to compose= opstellen             *to convey= overbrengen

Techniques to connect ideas

• Technique 1- Compound sentence: connecting/linking ideas together using coordinating conjunctions (BOYFANS).

• Technique 2- Complex sentence: connecting/linking ideas using subordinating conjunctions. 

The dependent clause

• A dependent clause may contain a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone as a sentence; it is DEPENDENT on an independent clause for completeness.
• A dependent clause does not have sufficient meaning to allow it to stand alone as a complete idea.

From simple sentence to complex sentence

A complex sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause.

A dependent clause also has a subject and a verb, but it does not have sufficient meaning to be able to stand alone. It needs the independent clause to complete its meaning.

The complex sentence (continued)

When a subordinating conjunction is used to combine clauses, two independent clauses are written side by side.

Each of the independent clauses can stand on its own but each is related to the other.

To show primary importance to one clause, you will have to make one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause by using a subordinating conjunction.

Coordinating vs. subordinating conjunctions

1. Coordinating conjunctions, like subordinating conjunctions, are used to join independent clauses.
2. However, coordinating conjunctions give the SAME emphasis to both clauses.
3. Subordinating conjunctions deemphasize one clause by turning it into a dependent clause.
4. This process is called subordination.

Commonly used subordinating conjunctions

as

because

since

Reason

Contrast

although

through

even though

Condition

whether

if

unless

Time

until

whenever

while

Result

so that

Example sentence + explanation:

                                              The ship returned to port. Its propeller was broken.

The information in each independent clause is considered important. However, in reality, the first clause is more important. It is more important to know that the ship had to return to port, then that the propeller is broken.

Why? The company (owner) needs to know that their cargo was returned and not delivered. 

They may have to make arrangements quickly, or they might lose money.

To let the reader know which clause is more important, you can make one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause by adding a subordinating conjunction to the front of the clause.

Example sentence + explanation (continued)

Its propeller was broken -> this is the less important independent clause.

Now, change it into a dependent clause by adding the appropriate subordinating conjunction.

Because its propeller was broken.

Now, this clause cannot stand on its own anymore because it does not have sufficient meaning! It is DEPENDENT on the independent clause for its complete meaning.

     The ship returned to port  because  its propeller was broken.

indep. clause ^             sub. conj. ^               dep. clause ^

Subordination

Subordination is the process of making one idea to be of lesser importance than another idea. Subordination is commonly done when there are two independent clauses and the writer wants one main idea to be emphasized.

Now it's your turn!

underline the independent clause once, the dependent clause twice, and circle the subordinating conjunction.

1. The crowd raced for their cars after the football game was over. 
2. The teenagers partied each day while their parents were away.
3. Until the ozone layer is protected, harmful radiation will cause more skin cancer.
4. The surgery was successful although the patient remained ill for weeks.
5. Before an earthquake sends tremors through the ground, animals can somehow sense it is going to happen.
6. She rarely takes vacations because she is the CEO.

Complex Sentences