How to Change Sentences into Complex Sentences
A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. The dependent clause is introduced by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. To transform simple or compound sentences into complex sentences, follow these steps:
1. Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and show relationships between clauses. Common subordinating conjunctions include:
Time: when, while, before, after, since, until, as soon as
Cause/Reason: because, since, as, now that
Purpose: so that, in order that
Condition: if, unless, provided that
Contrast/Concession: although, though, even though, whereas, while
Result: so that
Comparison: as if, as though
2. Adding Relative Clauses
A relative clause adds extra information about a noun in the sentence. It is introduced by relative pronouns such as who, whom, whose, which, that.
3. Expanding Phrases into Clauses
Sometimes, a phrase can be expanded into a full dependent clause by adding a subject and a verb.
4. Changing Coordinating Conjunctions to Subordinating Conjunctions
Sentences with coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, so, yet) can often be rewritten using subordinating conjunctions.
Examples of Transforming Sentences into Complex Sentences
Here are 30 examples:
1. Time Clauses
Simple: I met her yesterday. I was shopping at that time.
Complex: I met her when I was shopping yesterday.
Simple: Finish your work. Then you can go home.
Complex: You can go home after you finish your work.
Simple: He arrived. The show had already started.
Complex: He arrived after the show had already started.
Simple: He was playing. His mother called him.
Complex: He was playing when his mother called him.
Simple: Wait here. I return.
Complex: Wait here until I return.
Wait here until I return.
2. Cause/Reason Clauses
Simple: He was late. He missed the bus.
Complex: He was late because he missed the bus.
Simple: She didn’t go out. It was raining.
Complex: She didn’t go out as it was raining.
Simple: He succeeded. He worked hard.
Complex: He succeeded since he worked hard.
Simple: The baby cried. She was hungry.
Complex: The baby cried because she was hungry.
Simple: I left early. I had a meeting.
Complex: I left early as I had a meeting.
Transforming writing through subordinating conjunctions, this illustration highlights how they enhance sentence variety, improve clarity, and add depth to expressions by turning simple sentences into complex ones.
3. Purpose Clauses
Simple: She spoke loudly. Everyone could hear her.
Complex: She spoke loudly so that everyone could hear her.
Simple: He studies hard. He wants to pass the exam.
Complex: He studies hard so that he can pass the exam.
Simple: They moved closer. They wanted to hear better.
Complex: They moved closer so that they could hear better.
Simple: He left early. He could catch the train.
Complex: He left early so that he could catch the train.
Simple: She whispered. No one should hear her.
Complex: She whispered so that no one would hear her.
4. Condition Clauses
Simple: Work hard. You will succeed.
Complex: If you work hard, you will succeed.
Simple: Follow my advice. You will pass.
Complex: If you follow my advice, you will pass.
Simple: Don’t go out. It may rain.
Complex: Don’t go out unless it stops raining.
Simple: She will come. You invite her.
Complex: She will come if you invite her.
Simple: You must hurry. You will miss the train.
Complex: Unless you hurry, you will miss the train.
5. Contrast/Concession Clauses
Simple: He is poor. He is happy.
Complex: Although he is poor, he is happy.
Simple: It was raining. They went out.
Complex: Though it was raining, they went out.
Simple: She is intelligent. She failed the test.
Complex: Even though she is intelligent, she failed the test.
Simple: He tried his best. He couldn’t win.
Complex: Although he tried his best, he couldn’t win.
Simple: She was tired. She kept working.
Complex: Even though she was tired, she kept working.
Even though she was tired, she kept working.
6. Result Clauses
Simple: He was so tired. He fell asleep immediately.
Complex: He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately.
Simple: The noise was very loud. I couldn’t sleep.
Complex: The noise was so loud that I couldn’t sleep.
Simple: The box was very heavy. I couldn’t lift it.
Complex: The box was so heavy that I couldn’t lift it.
Simple: She was very sad. She started crying.
Complex: She was so sad that she started crying.
Simple: He spoke very softly. We could hardly hear him.
Complex: He spoke so softly that we could hardly hear him.
These examples demonstrate how sentences can be transformed into complex sentences by introducing subordinating conjunctions and relative clauses. Let me know if you need more examples or further explanations!
Exercise: Transform the Following Sentences into Complex Sentences
Instructions: Rewrite each sentence as a complex sentence by adding a subordinate clause using appropriate subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.
1. Time Clauses
I will call you. I finish my homework.
She met her friend. She was walking in the park.
We reached the station. The train had already left.
The baby started crying. The lights went off.
He waited. The bus arrived.
2. Cause/Reason Clauses
She didn’t go to school. She was feeling sick.
He was punished. He was late to class.
I cannot go out now. It is raining heavily.
We stopped working. It was too dark.
The teacher scolded him. He didn’t complete his homework.
3. Purpose Clauses
He studies regularly. He wants to score good marks.
She left early. She had to catch the train.
The soldier fought bravely. He wanted to protect his country.
I spoke slowly. He could understand me.
The farmer wakes up early. He can take care of his fields.
4. Condition Clauses
Eat healthy food. You will stay fit.
Work hard. You will succeed.
Help others. They will help you in return.
He will not attend the meeting. He gets an invitation.
They will go on a picnic. The weather remains pleasant.
5. Contrast/Concession Clauses
He is rich. He is not happy.
She studied well. She did not pass the exam.
The team played well. They lost the match.
The boy was injured. He continued playing.
She was tired. She finished her project on time.
6. Result Clauses
The road was very slippery. The car skidded.
He spoke so softly. No one could hear him.
She was very angry. She refused to talk.
The tea was very hot. I could not drink it.
The box was very heavy. He could not lift it.
7. Relative Clauses
The boy won the race. He had trained very hard.
I have a friend. He lives in Australia.
The book is very interesting. You gave it to me.
She is the woman. She helped me in trouble.
This is the house. We used to live here.
8. Expanding Phrases into Clauses
The teacher appreciated the student’s answer. It was correct.
The old man smiled at the children. They greeted him.
The baby slept peacefully. Her mother sang a lullaby.
The artist painted a beautiful picture. It was admired by everyone.
The cat chased the mouse. It ran under the table.