The complex sentence

Many sentences, especially in written language, are complex They can be formed by linking simple sentences together, but the elements in a complex sentence (unlike those of a compound sentence) are not of equal importance There is always one independent (or 'main') clause and one or more dependent (or 'subordinate') elements If removed from a sentence, a main clause can often stand on its own

Complex sentences can be formed in two ways

1 by joining subordinate clauses to the mam clause with conjunctions
The alarm was raised (main clause) as soon as the fire was
discovered (subordinate clause)

If you re not good at figures (subordinate clause) it is pointless to apply for a job in a bank (main clause)

2 by using infinitive or participle constructions [> 1.57] These are
non-finite and are phrases rather than clauses, but they form part of
complex (not simple) sentences because they can be re-expressed
as clauses which are subordinate to the main clause
To get into university you have to pass a number of examinations
(= If you want to get into university)
Seeing the door open, the stranger entered the house
(= When he saw the door open)

The complex sentence noun clauses

Many different constructions can be present in a complex sentence

(a) Free trade agreements are always threatened (main clause)

(b) when individual countries protect their own markets (subordinate clause dependent on (a))

(c) by imposing duties on imported goods (participle construction dependent on (b))

(d) to encourage their own industries (infinitive construction dependent on (c))

The subject of the mam clause must be replaced by a pronoun in a subordinate clause if a reference is made to it

The racing car went out of control before it hit the barrier A pronoun can occur in a subordinate clause before the subject is mentioned This is not possible with co-ordinate clauses

When she got on the tram Mrs Tomkins realized she had made a

dreadful mistake

Co-ordinate and subordinate clauses can combine in one sentence The racing car went out of control and hit the barrier several times before it came to a stop on a grassy bank

The five simple sentence patterns [> 1.8] can be combined in an endless variety of ways Subordinate clauses can be classified under three headings

- noun clauses He told me that the match had been

Cancelled

- relative (or Holiday resorts which are very crowded
adjectival) clauses are not very pleasant

- adverbial clauses However hard I try I can t remember
people s names

The complex sentence: noun clauses