Good writing doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, even when using complex sentences, clarity should be your top goal. Complex Sentences Made Simple isn’t just a concept – it’s a practical approach to better writing. This guide breaks down the five key elements that will help you use complex sentences effectively while keeping your content readable and engaging.
1. Complex Sentences Made Simple: The Basic Structure
A complex sentence combines two types of clauses. It has one part that can stand alone (an independent clause) and at least one part that cannot (a dependent clause).
Example: “While I was cooking dinner, the phone rang.”
- Independent clause: “the phone rang”
- Dependent clause: “While I was cooking dinner”
This structure allows you to show relationships between ideas rather than presenting them as separate thoughts.
2. Complex Sentences Made Simple: The Connecting Words
Certain words join the parts of complex sentences. Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent ones. Some common subordinating conjunctions include: although, because, since, when, while, if, though, unless, until, and after.
Example: “Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.”
The subordinating conjunction “because” signals a cause-and-effect relationship between the weather and the canceled plans.
3. Complex Sentences Made Simple: The Mix-and-Match Approach
Don’t use too many complex sentences in a row. Mix complex sentences with simple and compound sentences to maintain readability.
Example: “The professor explained the concept. Then she assigned homework. Although some students struggled with the material, most completed the assignment on time.”
This paragraph uses a simple sentence, followed by another simple sentence, and then a complex sentence, creating a balanced flow.
4. Complex Sentences Made Simple: Adding Smart Details
Relative clauses add details about a noun in the main clause using relative pronouns like who, whom, whose, which, and that.
Example: “The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue.”
The relative clause “that I borrowed from the library” provides specific information about which book is overdue.
5. Complex Sentences Made Simple: Strategic Placement
The placement of dependent clauses affects emphasis and flow in your writing. Placing a dependent clause at the beginning creates suspense, while placing it at the end provides additional information after the main point.
Example 1: “After finishing her degree, Sarah started her own business.”
Example 2: “Sarah started her own business after finishing her degree.”
The first example emphasizes the sequence of events, while the second emphasizes Sarah starting a business.
Start practicing these principles today, and watch how they transform your writing from basic to brilliant.
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