Complex Sentences

Definition

A complex sentence is a type of sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. This structure allows for the expression of more nuanced ideas and relationships between different parts of a sentence. Using complex sentences effectively can enhance writing by adding depth, variety, and clarity, which is essential in the editing and proofreading process to ensure that ideas are communicated effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Complex sentences often begin with subordinating conjunctions like 'although,' 'because,' or 'while' to introduce the dependent clause.
2. Using complex sentences can improve the flow of writing by connecting related ideas, which is particularly important during editing to maintain coherence.
3. They allow writers to convey complex thoughts and relationships between ideas, making writing more engaging for readers.
4. When proofreading, identifying complex sentences can help in checking for clarity and ensuring that dependent clauses are correctly connected to the independent clause.
5. Overusing complex sentences can lead to confusion, so it's important to balance them with simpler sentence structures for better readability.

Review Questions

• How do complex sentences enhance the clarity and depth of writing?
  • Complex sentences enhance clarity and depth by allowing writers to combine ideas in a way that shows relationships between them. This structure enables the inclusion of additional information or context through dependent clauses, which helps the reader understand nuances in the argument or narrative. When editing, recognizing the benefits of complex sentences can guide writers in refining their work to communicate thoughts more effectively.
• What are common errors to look for in complex sentences during proofreading?
  • Common errors in complex sentences include misplaced dependent clauses, which can confuse the meaning, and run-on sentences that lack proper punctuation. It's also important to check for sentence fragments, where the dependent clause is not properly connected to an independent clause. During proofreading, ensuring that each part of a complex sentence contributes to a clear overall meaning is crucial for maintaining good writing quality.
• Evaluate the role of complex sentences in the overall effectiveness of written communication.
  • Complex sentences play a critical role in written communication by allowing for intricate ideas and varied sentence structures that keep readers engaged. They enable writers to express relationships and conditions more precisely than simple or compound sentences alone. In evaluating their use, one must consider how well they enhance understanding without sacrificing clarity; balancing complex with simpler sentences is key to maintaining reader comprehension and interest throughout the text.

Related terms

Independent Clause: A group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought.

Dependent Clause: A group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought.

Compound Sentence: A sentence that contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.