Complex Sentences
Are you tired of writing simple, bland sentences?
Do you want to take your writing to the next level by mastering complex sentence structures?
If so, read on! In this blog post, we will teach you how to make complex sentences in your writing. By following our tips and techniques, you will be able to create more interesting and engaging sentences that will impress!
How to write a complex sentence structure using a clause
Here is an example sentence related to a typical writing topic – traffic congestion.
- Building wider roads can solve traffic congestion because it allows traffic to move more easily.
Sentence analysis
There are two main parts to this simple sentence: the problem (traffic congestion) and the solution (building wider roads).
Why is writing complex sentences an important skill?
For example, in the IELTS Writing Test, if you want to score band 6 then you need to “use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms” and if you want to score band 7 or more then you need to “use a variety of complex structures”.
So how can you transform a simple sentence into a complex sentence to improve your writing skills and test score?
Here are some easy steps to explain how to make better, longer and more complex sentences and improve your writing skills.
You can add some extra information to the basic sentence to make the sentence better and transform it into a complex sentence structure.
To do this, you can add some extra information, for example, about the problem. You can introduce a clause with extra information by using the linking word which.
What extra information could you add to the basic sentence?
(1) Where does traffic congestion normally occur? For example, most traffic congestion occurs in cities. If you want to be more specific, you could say ‘big cities’ but ‘big is not a high score adjective – so you could replace it with ‘large’ or ‘major’ – so now the sentence becomes:- Building wider roads can solve traffic congestion which is a serious problem in many large cities.
(2) When does the problem occur? For example, traffic congestion is normally worse when people are traveling to work (in the morning) and traveling home (in the evening). This period of time has a special name; the rush hour.
So now your sentence becomes:
- Building wider roads can solve traffic congestion which is a serious problem in many large cities during rush hour because it allows traffic to move more easily.
One final point, you need to punctuate your sentence. Correct punctuation is essential for a high score in writing tests, and the examiner will check your writing for good punctuation. In this case, to punctuate the complex sentence, you need to use a comma at the beginning of the clause and a comma at the end of the clause.
So the sentence now becomes:
- Building wider roads can solve traffic congestion, which is a serious problem in many large cities during rush hour, because it allows traffic to move more easily.
This is now a complex sentence, which is better than a simple sentence, and will improve your writing score in a test.
Transforming Simple Sentences into Complex Sentences
In order to get a high score on many Writing Tests, you need to be able to write complex sentences.
Complex sentences are made up of one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. The subordinate clause can come before or after the main clause.
Complex sentences sound more academic and mature than simple sentences. They show that you have a good grasp of grammar and can express yourself in a variety of ways.
To learn how to transform simple sentences into complex ones, keep reading!
Types of Subordinate Clauses
There are three main types of subordinate clauses: adjective clauses, adverb clauses, and noun clauses.
Adjective Clauses
Adjective clauses modify adjectives, nouns, and pronouns. They are introduced by the relative pronouns who, whose, whom, that, which, and where.
Examples:
- The poet whose work I admire is James Baldwin.
- The novel that she wrote is very famous.
Adverb Clauses
Adverb clauses modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, and whole phrases or clauses.
They are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions when, while, until, before, after, since, as soon as, now that, once, whenever, wherever, whether, why.
Examples:
- After she finished her work, she went home.
- We will leave as soon as they arrive.
Noun Clauses
Noun clauses act as the subject or object of a verb.
They are introduced by the subordinating conjunctions that, whether, if.
Examples:
- Whether you like it or not, you have to do it.
- That he was lazy was clear to everyone.
How to Transform Simple Sentences into Complex Sentences
There are two main ways to transform simple sentences into complex ones: by adding subordinate clauses or by using compound structures.
Let’s take a look at each one in turn.
Adding Subordinate Clauses
To transform a simple sentence into a complex one by adding a subordinate clause, simply take a main clause and add one of the types of subordinate clauses mentioned above.
For example:
Simple sentence: Mary likes dogs.
Complex sentence 1 (with an adjective clause): Mary likes dogs that are small.
Complex sentence 2 (with an adverb clause): Mary likes dogs after she takes them for a walk.
Complex sentence 3 (with a noun clause): Mary likes it when dogs jump up on her lap.
Using Compound Structures
Another way to create complex sentences is to use compound structures. These are two simple sentences joined together by a conjunction such as and, but, or, nor, yet, so.
For example:
Simple sentence 1: John is studying for his test.
Simple sentence 2: He is also doing the dishes.
Compound sentence: John is studying for his test and he is also doing the dishes.
As you can see from the examples above, there are many different ways to transform simple sentences into complex ones. With some practice, you will be able to do it too!
Conclusion
So now you know how to write complex sentences. Writing complex sentences is a valuable writing skill that will help you get a high score on any Writing Test.
There are two main ways to transform simple sentences into complex sentences: by adding subordinate clauses or using compound structures. Practice these complex sentence structure writing tips to improve your writing skills.