Complex sentence
In syntax, a sentence with an independent clause and at least one dependent clause (subordinating clause) is referred to as a complex sentence. The dependent clause is introduced by either a subordinate conjunction such as although, while or because or a relative pronoun such as who or which.
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Examples
- When I saw what you had done, I was happy.
- Independent clause: I was happy.
- Dependent clause: When I saw what you had done
- That you love me makes me happy.
- A complex sentence with a sub-clause functioning as a subject.
- Independent clause: (subject) makes me happy.
- Dependent clause: That you love me (acting as the subject)
- It makes me happy that you love me.
- A clefted complex sentence with a sub-clause indicating what the dummy pronoun "It" refers to.
- Independent clause: It makes me happy.
- Dependent clause: that you love me
- The book is where you have put it.
- A complex sentence with a sub-clause functioning as subject complement. "Be" is a copula verb; it links the sub-clause to the subject.
- Independent clause: The book is (complement).
- Dependent clause: where you have put it (acting as the complement)
See also
External links
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Syntactic entities