Complex sentences use subordination to combine ideas, creating depth and nuance in writing. They feature dependent clauses that can't stand alone, relying on independent clauses to form complete thoughts.

Mastering complex sentences allows writers to show relationships between ideas and vary sentence structure. This skill enhances clarity and readability, making writing more engaging and effective for readers.

Types of Dependent Clauses

Defining and Identifying Dependent Clauses

• Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences
• Function as part of a larger sentence structure
• Contain a subject and a verb but do not express a complete thought
• Require an independent clause to form a complete sentence
• Three main types of dependent clauses include relative, adverb, and noun clauses

Relative Clauses

• Modify nouns or pronouns in the main clause
• Begin with relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) or relative adverbs (when, where, why)
• Provide additional information about the noun or pronoun they modify
• Can be essential (restrictive) or non-essential (non-restrictive) to the meaning of the sentence

Adverb Clauses

• Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs in the main clause
• Begin with subordinating conjunctions (because, although, while, if, since)
• Answer questions like when, where, why, or how about the action in the main clause
• Can be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence, affecting punctuation

Noun Clauses

• Function as nouns in a sentence
• Can serve as subjects, objects, or complements
• Often begin with words like that, what, whatever, who, whom, whose, which, when, where, why, how
• Replace noun phrases with more complex structures
• Add depth and specificity to sentences

Subordination

Understanding Subordination in Sentences

• Subordination creates a hierarchy of ideas within a sentence
• Establishes relationships between clauses, indicating which information is more important
• Combines independent and dependent clauses to form complex sentences
• Enhances sentence variety and improves overall writing style

Elements of Subordination

• Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses
• Common subordinating conjunctions include because, although, while, if, since, when, after
• Dependent clauses rely on the main clause to form a complete thought
• Independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences
• Subordination allows writers to show the relationship between ideas (cause-effect, contrast, time)

Applying Subordination in Writing

• Use subordination to emphasize important information in the independent clause
• Place less important information in the dependent clause
• Vary sentence structure by alternating between complex and simple sentences
• Subordination helps create logical connections between ideas in a paragraph
• Improves readability by clearly indicating the relationships between different parts of a sentence

Relative Clauses

Structure and Function of Relative Clauses

• Relative clauses provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause
• Begin with relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) or relative adverbs (when, where, why)
• Can be essential (restrictive) or non-essential (non-restrictive) to the meaning of the sentence
• Essential relative clauses do not require commas
• Non-essential relative clauses are set off by commas

Types of Relative Pronouns

• Who refers to people and functions as the subject of the relative clause
• Whom refers to people and functions as the object of the relative clause
• Whose indicates possession for both people and things
• Which refers to things or animals and can be used for both essential and non-essential clauses
• That refers to things or animals and is typically used for essential clauses
• When, where, and why function as relative adverbs in certain contexts

Using Relative Clauses Effectively

• Choose the appropriate relative pronoun based on its function in the clause
• Ensure proper agreement between the relative pronoun and its antecedent
• Place relative clauses as close as possible to the noun or pronoun they modify
• Use relative clauses to combine short, choppy sentences for improved flow
• Avoid overusing relative clauses, as they can make sentences overly complex