Complex Sentence

Definition

A complex sentence is made up of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought but adds additional information to the main idea expressed in the independent clause.

Related terms

Dependent Clause:

A dependent clause is also known as a subordinate clause because it relies on an independent clause to form a complete thought.

Subordinating Conjunctions: These are words like "although," "because," and "while" that introduce dependent clauses in complex sentences.

Main Idea:

The main idea refers to the central point or focus expressed in the independent clause of a complex sentence.