Josh Liljenquist

Writing reference

Complex Sentence Examples

Study original examples that pair one independent clause with at least one dependent clause, then use the structure notes to write your own.

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What makes a sentence complex?

A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. A comma usually follows an opening dependent clause; a closing dependent clause often needs no comma unless meaning or emphasis calls for one.

24 original complex sentence examples

  1. Although the forecast improved, the team kept a cash reserve. Structure: dependent clause + independent clause.
  2. When the library opened, the students moved to the quiet floor. Structure: dependent clause + independent clause.
  3. The trail becomes slippery whenever the temperature drops. Structure: independent clause + dependent clause.
  4. Because the source lacked a date, Mara marked the claim as unverified. Structure: reason clause + independent clause.
  5. If the sensor fails again, the backup alarm will sound. Structure: condition clause + independent clause.
  6. The garden recovered after the rain returned. Structure: independent clause + time clause.
  7. While the bread cooled, the kitchen filled with a toasted aroma. Structure: time clause + independent clause.
  8. I saved the receipt so that I could document the expense. Structure: independent clause + purpose clause.
  9. Even though the route was longer, it avoided construction. Structure: concession clause + independent clause.
  10. The musicians paused until the conductor raised her hand. Structure: independent clause + time clause.
  11. Since the museum was crowded, we started with the upstairs gallery. Structure: reason clause + independent clause.
  12. Wherever the creek bends, cottonwoods shade the bank. Structure: place clause + independent clause.
  13. Unless the wind settles, the ferry will remain at the dock. Structure: condition clause + independent clause.
  14. The editor shortened the paragraph because two examples repeated the same point. Structure: independent clause + reason clause.
  15. As the lights dimmed, the audience stopped talking. Structure: time clause + independent clause.
  16. Nina brought an extra charger in case the meeting ran late. Structure: independent clause + condition clause.
  17. Though the first test failed, the revised method produced stable results. Structure: concession clause + independent clause.
  18. We will publish the schedule once every speaker confirms. Structure: independent clause + time clause.
  19. Before you sign the form, check the account number. Structure: time clause + independent clause.
  20. The paint dried faster than the label predicted. Structure: independent clause + comparison clause.
  21. If you reduce the batch size, the mixture will cool more evenly. Structure: condition clause + independent clause.
  22. The dog waited by the window while the storm passed. Structure: independent clause + time clause.
  23. Because each file used the same names, the archive was easy to search. Structure: reason clause + independent clause.
  24. Although the map was old, its trail markers remained accurate. Structure: concession clause + independent clause.

Complex versus complicated

“Complex” describes clause structure, not difficulty. A short sentence can be complex, and a long sentence can remain simple if it has only one independent clause.

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