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Sentences (Complex) 01
"He couldn't play his violin, because a string was broken" is an example of a complex sentence because it contains two separate clauses.

Sentences (Complex) 01

Complex sentences join a main clause with a subordinate clause. Learn how conjunctions shape meaning, vary rhythm, and make your writing clear, persuasive, and easy to read.

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Fascinating Fact:

Complex sentences vary rhythm. One short main clause plus one short subordinate clause can keep a paragraph under 120 words flowing.

In KS3 English, you study sentence variety to improve clarity and style. A complex sentence links a main clause to a subordinate clause, helping you show cause, contrast, time, and condition.

Key Terms

  • Main clause: A group of words that can stand alone as a full sentence.
  • Subordinate clause: A clause that cannot stand alone and depends on a main clause for full meaning.
  • Subordinating conjunction: A joining word that introduces a subordinate clause, such as because, although, when, if.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is a complex sentence with examples?

A complex sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause. Example: Although it was raining, we continued training. We won because we practised every evening.

How do I punctuate complex sentences correctly?

If the subordinate clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause. If the main clause comes first, a comma is usually not needed.

What is the difference between compound and complex sentences?

Compound sentences join two main clauses with coordinating conjunctions like and or but. Complex sentences join a main clause with a subordinate clause.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .
Select the correct term for the following.
They had to stay indoors, because of the rain.
Complex sentence
Compound sentence
Phrase
Simple sentence
"Because" often begins a subordinate clause. Simple sentences do not have subordinate clauses
2 .
Select the correct term for the following.
The sky was blue, however, it was starting to rain.
Complex sentence
Compound sentence
Phrase
Simple sentence
Connectives such as "because" and "although" introduce subordinate clauses
3 .
Select the correct term for the following.
....... the pouring rain .......
Complex sentence
Compound sentence
Phrase
Simple sentence
A phrase is a group of words, often lacking a verb
4 .
Select the correct term for the following.
He couldn't play his violin, because a string was broken.
Complex sentence
Compound sentence
Phrase
Simple sentence
Complex sentences have two or more clauses
5 .
Select the correct term for the following.
....... her injured hand .......
Complex sentence
Compound sentence
Phrase
Simple sentence
A phrase is a group of words which can't stand alone as a sentence. "Her injured hand" is a noun phrase
6 .
Select the correct term for the following.
The rain poured down.
Complex sentence
Compound sentence
Phrase
Simple sentence
This sentence has one subject, "rain", and one verb, "poured"
7 .
Select the correct term for the following.
She had injured her hand but she played on.
Complex sentence
Compound sentence
Phrase
Simple sentence
When two simple sentences have been joined you have a compound sentence. "She had injured her hand" is a simple sentence, as is "She played on". The two can be joined with the connective "but"
8 .
Select the correct term for the following.
Before he could play his violin, he had to mend it.
Complex sentence
Compound sentence
Phrase
Simple sentence
A subordinate clause (such as "Before he could play his violin") doesn't make sense by itself
9 .
Select the correct term for the following.
Although she had injured her hand, she played on.
Complex sentence
Compound sentence
Phrase
Simple sentence
Mark clauses off with commas to separate them
10 .
Select the correct term for the following.
After he had mended his violin, he played it.
Complex sentence
Compound sentence
Phrase
Simple sentence
A subordinate clause adds to the main clause
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - How to write a complex sentence

Author:  Sue Daish (English Teacher, Principal Examiner & Published Author)
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