Complex sentences in English language are sentences that consist of two or more parts, separate sentences that are dependent on each other. In this case, there is one main sentence that contains the main idea, it is called the main one, or Principal Clause, and subordinate clauses (Subordinate Clauses) will depend on it: all complex sentences in English consist of at least two parts. Let's look at the basic rules for creating complex sentences, and also learn the conjunctions of primary importance, which are used in Complex Sentences.
Complex sentences (Complex Sentences) consist of unequal parts, that is, as we have already indicated, one part depends on the other. It follows that one sentence explains another. To distinguish complex sentences from complex ones, you can be guided by the presence in the sentence of unique identifiers, which are conjunctions (complex sentences have their own characteristic conjunctions). The main subordinating conjunctions used in Complex Sentences are:
- that,
- after,
- because,
- where,
- when,
- whose
But! Complex sentences can be made without conjunctions! But more on that later.
Let's look at examples of what complex sentences with conjunctions will look like:
| That | I feel that they will come earlier to search what they have lost in these places | I feel that they will return later to look for what they lost in these places |
| After | After they came back from Italy, they feel happy | They feel happy upon returning from Italy ( or After they returned from Italy, they feel happy) |
| If | If I had a thousands of flowers, I would be really very happy! | If I had thousands of flowers, I would be very happy indeed! |
| Who | They don't like those who think they are always right | They don't like people who think they're always right |
| Because | because she met her boyfriend | She didn't come back to our place last night because she met her boyfriend. |
| Where | That is the place where we used to play 5 years ago | This is where we used to play 5 years ago |
| When | The day when I saw my new friend was a real high day for me | The day I saw my new friend was a real holiday for me |
| Whose | My teacher, whose suggestions I always listen to, recommends to visit that courses. | My teacher, whose judgment I trust, recommends that I take those courses. |
But! This is not the entire list of possible connecting words, used in complex sentences. Remember the following conjunctions:
- therefore,
- since,
- while,
- before,
- after,
- unless,
- though,
- although
Note! In English sentences there is no need to put a comma before the subordinate clause. For example, the sentence She didn’t return to us last night because she met her boyfriend can be either without a comma or with it => She didn’t return to us last night, because she met her boyfriend. A comma is used when there are several subordinate clauses. In this case, the function of the comma is to make the sentence easier to read and understand.
But! Beginners learning English are advised to write complex sentences with commas to make it easier to distinguish between the main and subject parts of a large Complex Sentence. When you have thoroughly studied the topic and can identify the main and subject parts at a glance, you can omit the comma.
On a note! When translating into Russian in a complex sentence in the second part (in the subordinate clause), the subject can be omitted:
She didn't return to us last night because she met her boyfriend:
- She didn't come back to our place last night because she met her boyfriend.
- She didn't come back to us last night because she met my boyfriend.
The first option is more common. The second can only be used in colloquial speech. At the same time, grammar says that a sentence in English must have a subject, but in Russian it can be omitted - the meaning remains unchanged.
Lack of conjunctions in complex sentences
In complex sentences, conjunctions may be absent:
- I visited the exhibition you wanted me to go to => I visited the exhibition you wanted me to go to.
If you use a conjunction, then the conjunction fits well here that=> I visited the exhibition that you wanted me to go to.
- I never thought I should meet you once more => I never thought that we would have to meet again.
- I listen to the music my friend suggested me to listen to => I listen to the music that my friend advised me to listen to.
What are the types of subordinate clauses in complex subordinate clauses?
Subordinate Clauses can replace any member of a sentence, be it a subject, an object, a nominal part of a predicate, an adverbial clause, or a modifier. Let's give examples for better understanding:
- This juice is not what we used to taste in America. (This juice is far from the one we drank with pleasure in America.) => subordinate predicate.
- Who will become the new administrator is still unknown . (It is still unknown who will be the new administrator.) => subordinate clause
- Today their doctor told them how one renews his health. (Today their doctor told them how to restore their health.) => additional clause
- Diamonds are natural fossil which attracts millions of people. (Diamonds are a natural resource that attracts millions of people.) => attributive clause
- After he returned from the village, he looks unhappy . (After returning from the village he looks unhappy.) => adverbial clause
Let's sum it up
When learning English, the topic of complex sentences should be studied. Every day we talk using sentences like these in our speech. To learn how to correctly express your thoughts in complex sentences in English, you need to learn connecting words, in other words, conjunctions that will help separate complex sentences from complex sentences. By regularly doing exercises and studying the rules dictated by English grammar, you will soon notice the first signs of success and get an incentive to study further. Good luck and conquering new heights!
Difficult sentence- a sentence that consists of two or more simple sentences, united by meaning. Simple sentences within a complex sentence are connected with or without conjunctions, but in any case they are distinguished in speech by intonation pauses. A complex sentence contains two or more grammatical stems.
So, in English, complex sentences are divided into 2 types: complex and complex.
Compound Sentences include several simple sentences that are independent of each other and are combined using coordinating conjunctions or non-union.
It was raining and a thunderstorm began.
It was raining, And thunderstorm began. (using the conjunction - and)
He went to the cinema, but she stayed at home.
He went to the cinema A she stayed at home. (using the conjunction - but)
You can get to work by taxi or I will give you a lift.
You can go to work by taxi or I'll give you a ride. (using the conjunction - or).
It was raining, a thunderstorm began.
It was raining, a thunderstorm began (union).
Complex sentences- sentences that consist of two or more simple sentences depend on each other. One suggestion is main and carries the main semantic meaning, and the other is subordinate clause and serves to explain the main point. Subordinate clauses are attached to the main clause using subordinating conjunctions, allied words or non-union clauses.
A complex sentence consists of a main clause and a subordinate clause. The subordinate clause explains the main thing and is connected to it using subordinating conjunctions and allied words:If the main and subordinate clauses have the same subject, then in Russian it can be omitted in the subordinate clause. In English, the presence of a subject in a subordinate clause is mandatory.
Compare:
He writes that he is coming to Moscow. He writes that he will come to Moscow.
In English, unlike Russian, subordinate clause is not separated by a comma from the main one if the main clause comes before the subordinate clause, and can be separated by a comma if the subordinate clause precedes the main clause:
I know that they are at home. I know they are at home now.
When I was in Kiev, I met Petrov. When I was in Kyiv, I met Petrov there.
2. Types of subordinate clauses.
Subordinate clauses are divided into nominal (performing the function of a noun - subject, object, nominal part of the predicate) and adverbial.A) An example of a nominal clause is an additional clause. Additional subordinate clauses perform the function of direct object and answer the question “what?” They are connected to the main sentence most often using the conjunction that [ðæt, ðət] - as in allied words. Unlike the Russian conjunction that, the conjunction that is often omitted:
We know (that) they"re doing well. We know that they are good students.
I know they are here. I know they are here.
This addition of an additional subordinate clause to the main one is called non-union.
B) An example of adverbial clauses is time clauses. Adverbial clauses of time indicate the time of the action and answer the question “when?” - when and are introduced by the subordinating conjunction when when and a number of other conjunctions:
When I was a student, I lived in Kiev. When I was a student, I lived in Kyiv.
C) In English, adverbial clauses of time can also be introduced by conjunctions:
till (untill) until, until;
as soon as soon;
before before, before;
after after;
while while.
Please stay here until I return. Please stay here until I return.
Please wait for him, here till he comes back. Please wait here for him until he returns.
Please note that in Russian, after conjunctions until, while in the subordinate clause of time, an intensifying particle is used, which is not translated into English.
As soon as he saw us, he came towards us. As soon as he saw us, he headed towards us.
Please give me this book to read after you have finished it. Please let me read this book after you have read it.
You should see the doctor before you go back to work. You need to see a doctor before returning to work.
While I"m writing this, you can read a newspaper. While (= while) I am writing this, you can read the newspaper.
D) Another example of adverbial subordinate clauses is a conditional subordinate clause, which expresses the condition necessary for the action of the main clause. Conditional sentences are most often introduced by the conjunction if - if:
Can I have this book to read if it's interesting? Let me borrow this book to read if it's interesting?
E) Adverbial clauses of reason indicate the reason for the action and answer the question “why?” Why? They are introduced subordinating conjunctions because because and as [æz, əz] since, since.
I couldn't go to the Institute yesterday because I was ill. I couldn't go to college yesterday because I was sick.
As my lessons begin at half past eight, I have to get up at seven in the morning. Since (since) my classes start at half past eight, I have to get up at seven o'clock in the morning.
My friend works hard at his English, as he wants to speak the language well. My friend is working hard on his English because he wants to speak English well.
Note: Subordinate adverbial clauses of reason can appear either before or after the main clause, and the conjunction because is used, as a rule, when the subordinate clause comes after the main clause.
3. Intonation.
If a subordinate clause precedes the main clause, then it is most often pronounced with a rising tone, for example:If you are ill, you should certainly stay in ↓ bed. If you are sick, you should definitely stay in bed (take a rest).
And consider complex sentence in English. Let us recall that a complex sentence in English is a complex sentence in which there is a main part and one or more dependent parts, each of which has its own subject and predicate. For example, in the sentence:
When I arrived in Kiev it was raining - when I arrived in Kyiv, it was raining
(this complex sentence consists of the main part: it was raining and the dependent part: when I arrived in Kiev - when I arrived in Kyiv)
Main offer(Main Clause)
main part complex sentence in English indicates the main event described in a given sentence. The main clause, unlike the subordinate clause, cannot be omitted without affecting the overall meaning of the complex sentence.
Subordinate clause in English(Subordinate Clause)
A clause that depends on the main clause is called a subordinate clause. Subordinate clauses can perform the functions of various parts of a sentence (subject, object, adverbial...), it also explains the main clause. The subordinate clause, unlike the main clause, can usually be omitted, preserving the main meaning of the complex sentence in English.
Note:
The exception is the nominal clause (Nominal Clause) - this is a subordinate clause that performs the function of a noun in a sentence. Nominal clauses formed using conjunctions:
The conjunction that can be omitted if it is not at the absolute beginning complex sentence. If that introduces a sentence with the meaning of motivation or desire, then the subjunctive form can be used in the subordinate clause. The subordinate clause introduced by the conjunction that, after some verbs, can be replaced by the pronoun so:
They demanded that Sir Philipp resign his position - they demanded that Sir Philipp resign his position
Doing my best I wondered if there was anything else I could do - doing everything that depended on me, I wondered if there was anything else I could do to help
Question words (Wh - words):
I have already decided which English language courses to chose – I finally decided which English language courses to choose
Infinitive phrase as a nominal clause. In this case, the infinitive phrase can be introduced by a question word:
The problem is where to live - the problem is where to live
It takes time to speak English fluently - it takes time to speak English fluently
The gerundial phrase (ing-clause) also, as a rule, performs the same function in a sentence as a noun:
II. Non-finite revolutions with non-finite (or non-finite) forms of the verb in English perform the same functions as subordinate clauses. Non-finite (non-finite) forms of the verb do not express person, number, mood, or voice:
To get into this company you have to be highly qualified - to get into this company, you must be highly qualified
Types of subordinate clauses according to the function of the main verb:
I. Nominal clauses
These clauses perform functions similar to those of a noun:
What I believe is none of your business
II. Determinative clauses sentences - subordinate clauses that perform the function of defining:
This is the English language courses we went to before
III. Adverbial clauses sentences perform the function of adverbial circumstances.
Good afternoon, lovers and tormentors of English!
Let's look at complex sentences in English today.
A complex sentence is a sentence consisting of several, i.e. each part of which has its own subject and predicate (like, for example, this sentence before the brackets). By the way, this is all very reminiscent of the rule in Russian, which I once loved so much...)) Therefore, we will only have to understand in a new way the features of such sentences in English. The rest - we’ll just remember from school lessons in our native language.
Go...
Complex sentences can be divided into two main types: compound And complex.
- In a complex sentence, although its parts are united by some common meaning, they may well exist as separate independent sentences, which cannot be said about a complex sentence.
- In a complex sentence, one part is subordinate to the other, i.e. depends on it, and accordingly cannot be used as an independent structure.
In complex sentences you can often find conjunctions and/but/or:
I don’t want to eat, but I want to drink.
Parts of a complex sentence are connected by various conjunctions and allied words, and the sentences themselves are divided into several subtypes, which we will consider in more detail.
Determinative clauses
Definitive sentences decipher for us information about a person or thing that we are talking about, and are introduced in words who/that/which /whose , they all translate as " which, -th, -s ».
- When we talk about person, then we use who :
The girl who likes to skip is our neighbors’ daughter.
- In a relationship of things will do which :
The bag which has fallen down on the floor costs $500
- And here are the words that,whose are universal, fit as for the animate, so for inanimate items:
The man whose house we stayed in is my uncle.
The town whose towers you can see is York.
- Moreover that can be omitted, if it does not play the role of subject:
This is a purse ( that) I am looking for.
Could you tell me the name of the boy that is sitting opposite us? (cannot be removed from the sentence, because it is the subject of a subordinate clause)
Note: You can study this type of subordinate clauses in more detail.
Adverbial clauses
There are several types. See table below:
| Time | When(When) After(after) Before(before as) While(Bye) As long as(until, as long as, in that case) As soon as(as soon as) Until/Until(until …) | They'll go home when the film is over. I got the news after he left. Before you say anything, I have one more surprise for you. While they were washing, she was doing her homework. You can borrow my car as long as you promise not to drive too fast. As soon as I had finished, I joined them. We have to wait until he arrives. |
| Conditions | If(If) On condition that(provided that) Unless(if not) | Will you wait for me if I am late? He is free on condition that he never speaks of what he has seen. You can't go on vacation unless you save some money. |
| Causes | Because(because) As(because) Since(because) Although(although) | I am asking because I want to know your opinion. He was not eating as he was not hungry. Since we are capable of changing the world, let us not leave it unchanged. Although they have very different roles, they have common features. |
| Mode of action | As if(as if) As though(as if) | You act as if nothing happened.He gives orders as though he was the boss. |
| Goals | So that(to) | I send you this so that you can give me advice. |
| Places | Where(Where) Wherever(wherever, wherever) | I have put it where I can find it again.They go shopping wherever they are. |
Additional clauses
That/when/if
Here, pay attention to when clauses: do not confuse them with time clauses.
Compare:
I don't know when he will arrive. (I don't know What?= additional clause)
I will call him when he arrives. (subordinate tense, in such a sentence the future tense cannot be used, it is replaced by the present)
General rules of punctuation
- Before unions and,but,or put comma
- Comma not placed before that .
- If the offer begins with a subordinate clause, then after it is put comma.
- If the subordinate clause is in the middle of a statement, then it is on both sides separated by commas.
- If the subordinate clause is worth at the end, then a comma not required.
I think the theory is enough. It's time to move on to practice!
If you have any questions, ask them in the comments - we’ll sort it out!
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