Complex Sentences
A complex sentence is a sentence made up of one main clause and at least one subordinate clause, joined by a subordinating conjunction such as 'because' or 'although', or a relative pronoun such as 'who' or 'which'. Writers use complex sentences at KS3 and GCSE to add detail and vary sentence structure for effect.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Start with a main clause that makes complete sense on its own.
- Add a subordinate clause using a subordinating conjunction, such as 'because' or 'while', or a relative pronoun, such as 'who' or 'which'.
- Decide where to place the subordinate clause: at the start, in the middle, or at the end of the sentence, depending on the emphasis you want.
- Punctuate correctly: use a comma after a subordinate clause that opens the sentence, and commas around a clause placed mid-sentence if it is not essential to the meaning.
- Check the sentence still has exactly one main clause; two main clauses joined by 'and' would make it a compound sentence instead.
- Read the sentence aloud to check it flows and the subordinate clause clearly adds relevant information.
Worked example
Turn these two simple sentences into one complex sentence: 'The library was quiet. Students were revising for exams.'
- Choose which idea will be the main clause: 'The library was quiet' carries the core statement.
- Decide how the second idea relates to it: it gives a reason, so use the subordinating conjunction 'because'.
- Attach the subordinate clause to the main clause: 'The library was quiet because students were revising for exams.'
- Check punctuation: no comma is needed here because the subordinate clause comes after the main clause.
- Confirm there is only one main clause and one subordinate clause, making this a complex sentence.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a English exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Combine these two simple sentences into one complex sentence using a subordinating conjunction: 'The storm passed. The sailors returned to the harbour.'
Write a complex sentence about a school trip that includes a relative clause beginning with 'who' or 'which'. Then identify the main clause.
Explain, using an example, how using a complex sentence instead of two short simple sentences can improve a piece of descriptive writing.
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the complex sentences worksheet pack - 15 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
Build a full practice pack.
This topic is one of hundreds in the library - pick the ones a student needs and generate a printable PDF in minutes.