Complex sentences Worksheet Practice Exercises with Answers

Lesson 48: Complex Sentences

What is a Complex Sentence?

A complex sentence contains two or more clauses. One clause is the main clause (or independent clause), and the other is the dependent clause (or subordinate clause). The dependent clause is a subpart of the main clause and adds information to it. Each clause has its own subject and verb phrase. Unlike compound sentences where clauses are joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, or, but), in a complex sentence the dependent clause is joined by a subordinating conjunction.

Subordinating Conjunctions

The common subordinating conjunctions of English are:

• after, although, as, as if, as though, because, before, even if
• even though, how, if, in order that, once, rather than, since, so (that)
• than, that, though, till, unless, until, what, when
• whenever, where, wherever, whether, while, which, who, why

Position of Dependent Clauses

The dependent clause can come either after the main clause or before it. For example:

• After the main clause: "Harry was only fifteen when his mother sent him away to school."
• Before the main clause: "When his mother sent him away to school, Harry was only fifteen."

Multiple Dependent Clauses

A complex sentence can have more than one dependent clause. It contains only one main clause, but it can include two or more dependent clauses placed in various positions.

Types of Dependent Clauses

Complex sentences can have two main types of dependent clauses:

• Adverbial clauses: These tell us more about a verb, adjective, or another adverb, typically providing information about time, condition, reason, or manner.
• Noun clauses: These work as noun phrases within the sentence. When a dependent clause follows the main clause, the subordinating conjunction "that" can be deleted. However, if the dependent clause comes before the main clause, the word "that" cannot be removed.

Question 1. For each complex sentence below, underline the dependent clause. Remember to look for the subordinating conjunction, which is the first word of the dependent clause.
(1) His father is returning to London because the furniture is arriving.
(2) Selma smiled at him although she had never felt less like smiling.
(3) He felt a great affection for his guardian until he discovered the truth.
(4) I am going to solve this crossword puzzle even if it takes me all day.
(5) James accepted the job before he checked with his wife.

Answer: (1) because the furniture is arriving (2) although she had never felt less like smiling (3) until he discovered the truth (4) even if it takes me all day (5) before he checked with his wife
In simple words: Find the word that links two ideas together (the subordinating conjunction), and underline everything that comes after it up to the end of that thought. That underlined part is the dependent clause.

Exam Tip: Always mark the subordinating conjunction first - it signals the start of a dependent clause. Then trace where that clause ends to complete your underline correctly.

Question 2. For each complex sentence below, underline the dependent clause. Remember to look for the subordinating conjunction, which is the first word of the dependent clause. The dependent clause will either be before or after the main clause.
(1) When Elizabeth spoke, Ben listened attentively.
(2) Before you blame him, think about your own responsibility.
(3) You should pay for automobile insurance even if your car is old.
(4) Unless the train arrives soon, we'll miss our appointment.
(5) The district attorney won't rest till he finds the perpetrator.

Answer: (1) When Elizabeth spoke (2) Before you blame him (3) even if your car is old (4) Unless the train arrives soon (5) till he finds the perpetrator
In simple words: The dependent clause can show up either at the start or at the end of the sentence. Look for the subordinating conjunction anywhere - it marks the beginning of the dependent clause.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to whether the subordinating conjunction appears at the start or in the middle of the sentence - the dependent clause always begins with or right after that conjunction.

Question 3. For each complex sentence below, underline the subject of the dependent clause (not of the main clause).
(1) Even though the village supported the emperor, it still paid numerous taxes.
(2) I like to sit on the balcony when the weather is nice.
(3) George did it because he recognized the woman.
(4) Once I have made up my mind, I usually do not change it.
(5) Someone rang the doorbell while we were having lunch.

Answer: (1) the village (2) the weather (3) he (4) I (5) we
In simple words: Find the dependent clause first by looking for the subordinating conjunction. Then find the person or thing (subject) doing the action inside that dependent clause - that's your answer.

Exam Tip: Remember to find the subject that belongs to the dependent clause only - not the main clause. This tests whether you can tell the two clauses apart.

Question 4. For each sentence below, decide if it is a simple sentence or a complex sentence. Some complex sentences will have more than one dependent clause.
(1) The two horses thrived on the ranch because they received excellent care.
(2) Another little girl will be arriving at the school before noon today.
(3) The old housekeeper welcomed her warmly when her mother was present.
(4) The general returned home with his family.
(5) As we approached our destination, we became rather emotional.

Answer: (1) complex (2) simple (3) complex (4) simple (5) complex
In simple words: Look for a subordinating conjunction in each sentence. If you find one, the sentence is complex. If there's no subordinating conjunction, it's simple.

Exam Tip: Check for subordinating conjunctions first. A single conjunction signals a complex sentence - even if there's only one other clause present.

Question 5. For each sentence below, indicate if it is a simple sentence, a compound sentence, or a complex sentence. Be sure to determine the kind of conjunction (coordinating or subordinating) in order to help you decide.
(1) She pursued her goals relentlessly but she didn't always achieve them.
(2) I have made numerous mistakes over the years.
(3) I won't tell you unless you agree to help because I can't take the risk.
(4) Jason and Ilene had to renew their passports before they could leave the country.
(5) Baby boomers were born before this century.

Answer: (1) compound (2) simple (3) complex (4) complex (5) simple
In simple words: Look for subordinating conjunctions (unless, because, before) - those mean complex. Look for coordinating conjunctions (but, and, or) - those mean compound. If there's no conjunction, it's simple.

Exam Tip: The type of conjunction is key - know your coordinating conjunctions (and, or, but) versus subordinating ones (unless, because, before, if, although, when, etc.).

Question 6. Underline the dependent clause in each of the complex sentences below. It will be either an adverbial clause or a noun clause.
(1) I'll stay with Jeanette until Peter comes home.
(2) That my candidate will win is obvious.
(3) Although Mrs. Craft was tired, she insisted on making us dinner.
(4) We were quite confident that we had made the right decision.
(5) They want to find out why the waitress was so rude to them.

Answer: (1) until Peter comes home (2) That my candidate will win (3) Although Mrs. Craft was tired (4) that we had made the right decision (5) why the waitress was so rude to them
In simple words: Adverbial clauses tell us about time, reason, or condition. Noun clauses act like a thing or idea in the sentence. Both start with a subordinating conjunction - find that word and underline what follows it.

Exam Tip: Notice that noun clauses can come at the start, middle, or end of the sentence. Always look for the subordinating conjunction to identify where the dependent clause begins.

Question 7. Underline the dependent clauses in each of the sentences below. In some cases, the conjunction that will have been deleted.
(1) They don't believe that her partner will keep his word.
(2) Mrs. Webb was sure her pie would win the baking contest.
(3) That Andy is the best in the class doesn't surprise me.
(4) We heard you were accepted to Georgetown Law School.
(5) It is true that I am going to become a partner in this firm.

Answer: (1) that her partner will keep his word (2) her pie would win the baking contest (3) That Andy is the best in the class (4) you were accepted to Georgetown Law School (5) that I am going to become a partner in this firm
In simple words: When the word "that" is missing, you still have a dependent clause - the noun clause is still there even without the word "that" showing up. Look for extra subjects and verbs in the sentence to find the hidden clause.

Exam Tip: Try inserting the word "that" into the sentence. If it fits naturally, you've found a noun clause where "that" was deleted - that's your dependent clause.

Question 8. Decide if each sentence is simple, compound, or complex. Keep in mind that sometimes the subordinating conjunction that may have been deleted.
(1) My mother changed the subject, but it was too late.
(2) He proposed to her when she graduated from college.
(3) A man from the sawmill was overseeing the project.
(4) I want a piece of apple pie.
(5) I had been hoping you could come to the game.

Answer: (1) compound (2) complex (3) simple (4) simple (5) complex
In simple words: When you see "but," you have a compound sentence. When you see "when" or can add "that," you have complex. If there's only one main idea with no extra conjunctions, it's simple.

Exam Tip: Don't forget that deleted "that" can hide - ask yourself "Can I add 'that' after a verb here?" If yes, you've found a complex sentence even without seeing the word "that."