The Complex Sentence
The combination of two or more clauses in the complex sentence is totally different from that of the compound. As seen in the previous session, in the compound sentence, the relation of clause 1 and clause 2 is a relation of coordination in which both clauses could very well function independently, and the position of 1st or 2nd depends on the speaker’s choice, rather than on the hierarchy of one clause upon the other.
In the complex sentence, on the other hand, the relation between clause 1 and clause 2 is a relation of subordination in which clause 2 is dependent on clause one.
Time runs quickly when a deadline is near.
clause 1 clause 2
Since there was no food, he was hungry.
clause 2 clause 1
The phrases when a deadline is near and since there was no food are subordinate clauses. The words when and since are subordinating conjunctions.
*To test for a subordinate clause, see whether the clause could stand as a separate sentence. The clause is subordinate if it does not express a complete thought on its own.
Relations between clauses
The semantic relationship between two clauses is determined by the conjunction used. The following are types of relationships that can be formed and the conjunctions that connect them:
- Time – after, before, when, while, since, until
- Cause-effect – because, since, now that, as, in order that, so
- Contrast – although, though, even though, whereas, while
- Condition – if, unless, only if, whether or not, even if, in case (that)
In the example, "Time runs quickly when a deadline is near.", the conjunction “when” serves the (semantic) function of relating time.
In the example, "Since there was no food, he was hungry.", the semantic function of the conjunction “since” serves as a cause-effect relation.
Click on the icon to access an interactive activity on Complex Sentences.
