Combining Simple Sentences: Complex Sentences
A complex sentence connects two simple sentences using specific linking words that create a relationship between both parts. One part gives the main information, and the other part adds extra details (e.g. when, why, where, or under what conditions).
Common Linking Words
| Time: | when, while, after, before, until, since |
| Reason: | because, since, as |
| Contrast: | although, even though, though |
| Condition: | if, unless |
| Explanation: | who, which, that, where |
- I love watching movies ______ make me laugh.
- ______it was too hot outside, he was wearing a coat.
- ______she arrived at the airport, the plane had already taken off.
- ______ it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors and watch movies.
- She won’t pass the exam ______ she studies a lot.
- I don’t remember ______ I left my keys.
- He called his mother ______ he missed her.
- ______ you’re getting paid today, let’s go out for drinks!
- ______ I go to bed, I like to read a book.
- I always feel more energetic ______ I drink a cup of coffee.
- The cat was sleeping ______ the dog was chasing its tail.
- I enjoyed ______ lessons at school because ______
- I didn’t like ______ lessons because ______
- My ______ teacher was my favourite / least favourite because ______
- I studied / didn’t study ______ very hard because ______
Complete these opinions with your reasons.
- I think AI will / won’t help everyone learn better because…
- I suppose higher education is / isn’t important because…
- I believe online learning is / isn’t useful because…
- I prefer learning independently / in a group because…
Use these ideas: I like studying English · Schools teach important skills · Studying helps people get better jobs · Learning languages is necessary · Education gives people more opportunities · AI is a useful tool for learning.
- I learnt basic computer skills ______ I took the online course.
- I took the online course ______I learnt basic computer skills.
- ______ I took the online course, I learnt basic computer skills.
- ______I learnt basic computer skills, I took the online course.
Match the six proverbs that use a complex sentence form.
| Sentence beginning | Ending | |
|---|---|---|
| Where there’s smoke, | A join them. | |
| If at first you don’t succeed, | B do as the Romans. | |
| If it ain’t broke, | C there’s fire. | |
| If you can’t beat them, | D the tough get going. | |
| When in Rome, | E try again. | |
| When the going gets tough, | F don’t fix it. |
Finish the complex sentence by adding an independent clause that makes sense.
- After eating breakfast, ______
- Although it was cold, ______
- Because my grandmother is such a good cook, ______
- Before entering the baseball stadium, ______
- If I were you, ______
- When she brought in the birthday cake, ______
- While the teacher was out, ______
There is a way to write a better complex sentence. The result will be stylish because of its stingy use of words. Look at these complex sentences. What’s wrong with them?
When you write the first draft, you shouldn’t worry about mistakes.
Before I jumped on the ski lift, I checked my boots and skis.
After she got a credit card, she bought a pair of running shoes and purple headphones.
Grammatically, nothing is wrong. But the style can be improved.
1. Change the first verb to an -ING (gerund)
2. Remove the first subject.
When writing the first draft, you shouldn’t worry about mistakes.
Before jumping on the ski lift, I checked my boots and skis.
After getting a credit card, she bought a pair of running shoes and purple headphones.
⚠ This change only works when the same subject is in BOTH parts. It works best with: after, when, before, while
Write a complex sentence that mentions only one subject. Add a connecting word: after, while, or before. Use the -ing verb form in the first clause. Put the subject in the second clause.
- John and Mary said goodbye at the airport. They started to cry.
- Ji-sung played soccer on Saturday. He hurt his ankle
- She checked her wallet. Then she drove to the gas station
- The teacher walked into class. The teacher looked at the clock and left
- You can watch TV. First, you have to finish your homework
- I was driving to Toronto. My car ran out of gas
- Mr. Kim sold his Sonata. He canceled his car insurance
- She was preparing a delicious chicken soup. She cut her finger