Home Photos Identifying Complex Sentences- Which Sentences Qualify as Complex Sentences-

Identifying Complex Sentences- Which Sentences Qualify as Complex Sentences-

by liuqiyue

Which sentences are complex sentences? Check all that apply.

Understanding the different types of sentences is crucial for effective writing and communication. Among the various sentence structures, complex sentences stand out for their complexity and depth. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of complex sentences and help you identify which sentences fit this category. By the end, you will be well-equipped to distinguish complex sentences from other types.

Complex sentences are characterized by their length, structure, and the presence of multiple independent clauses. An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a sentence. Let’s examine some examples to better understand complex sentences.

First, complex sentences often contain a main clause and one or more dependent clauses. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually depends on the main clause for its meaning. For instance, consider the following sentence:

“The dog chased the ball, which was rolling down the hill.”

In this sentence, “The dog chased the ball” is the main clause, while “which was rolling down the hill” is a dependent clause that provides additional information about the ball. This structure makes the sentence complex.

Second, complex sentences can also contain a comma followed by a phrase or a clause that adds extra information. This additional information is known as a non-restrictive relative clause. Take a look at this example:

“The book I read last night was fascinating, which made me stay up late.”

Here, “I read last night” is the main clause, and “which made me stay up late” is a non-restrictive relative clause that provides extra information about the book.

Lastly, complex sentences can have compound subjects or verbs. This means that the sentence has more than one subject or verb, making it more complex. Consider the following sentence:

“My brother and I watched the movie together, while my sister cooked dinner.”

In this sentence, “My brother and I watched the movie together” is the main clause, and “while my sister cooked dinner” is a dependent clause that adds extra information. The presence of two independent clauses makes this sentence complex.

In conclusion, identifying complex sentences involves recognizing the presence of multiple independent clauses, dependent clauses, non-restrictive relative clauses, and compound subjects or verbs. By familiarizing yourself with these characteristics, you will be able to check which sentences are complex and enhance your writing skills accordingly.

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