6.2: Complex Sentences

Subordinating Conjunctions

Unlike FANBOYS coordinating conjunctions, there are many, many, many subordinating conjunctions. These connector words join a dependent clause to an independent clause to create a complex sentence. Remember that all types of clauses contain a subject and a verb.

Here, we will focus on one type of subordinating clause called adverbial clauses that can modify a verb, an adjective, or an entire main clause. Adverbial clauses answer questions like when? why? how? and under what condition?

Common Subordinating Conjunctions

• after
• although
• as
• as long as
• because
• before
• by the time
• considering that
• even if
• even though
• ever since
• given that
• if
• in case
• just as
• once
• provided that
• since
• so that
• though
• unless
• until
• when
• whenever
• whereas
• while

Examples of Subordinating Clauses

• I usually catch up on Netflix shows while I walk on the treadmill.
• Because I had a bad day, I ate an entire pint of ice cream.
• Betty gave an incredible presentation to a packed room even though she was extremely nervous.
• Whereas my brother enjoys ordering from DoorDash, I prefer cooking my own food.

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Complex Sentences

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one subordinating clause.

A subordinating clause starts with a subordinating conjunction and must include both a subject and a verb or verb phrase (predicate). A subordinating clause is a type of dependent clause that cannot stand alone, so we need to connect it with an independent clause to form a complex sentence.

Complex Sentence Type A = independent clause + [ subordinating conjunction + subject + verb ]

Complex Sentence Type B = [ subordinating conjunction + subject + verb ] + comma + independent clause

Note

If you start a sentence with a subordinating clause, you must add a comma to mark the end of the subordinating clause.

Remember that we are working specifically with adverbial subordinating clauses, which add information about when, where, why, or how (under what conditions) something happens.

Subordinating clauses can come at the beginning or end of a sentence. If the subordinating clause comes first in the sentence, remember to put a comma at the end of it. You can also switch the order of the sentence so that the subordinating clause comes at the end. In this case, no comma is needed.

Below are more examples of common subordinating conjunctions that are used to introduce adverbial clauses.

Category	Subordinating Conjunction	Example
Time (When?)	when while before after as as soon as since until	When I was a child, I liked to go outside and play in the creek. dependent clause: when I was a child independent clause: I liked to go outside and play in the creek As I was parking the car, I noticed my neighbor dragging a large and suspicious bag into his home. dependent clause: as I was parking the car independent clause: I noticed my neighbor dragging a large and suspicious bag into his home. The weather has gotten colder since you've been gone. dependent clause: since you've been gone independent clause: The weather has gotten colder I won't stop asking until you say "yes" to my plan. dependent clause: until you say "yes" to my plan independent clause: I won't stop asking
Cause, Reason, or Purpose (Why?)	because since as so (that)	Because it is rainy and cold today, I'm going to stay inside with a warm blanket and good book. dependent clause: because it is rainy and cold today independent clause: I'm going to stay inside with a warm blanket and good book I went to bed at 6pm as I was completely exhausted from the pickleball tournament. dependent clause: as I was completely exhausted from the pickleball tournament. independent clause: I went to bed at 6pm Nancy stayed up all night so (that) she could study for Tuesday's big test. dependent clause: so that she could study for Tuesday's big test independent clause: Nancy stayed up all night
Concession or Contrast	although even though	Although my brother hates vegetables, he will eat a tiny bite of salad at family gatherings. dependent clause: although my brother hates vegetables independent clause: he will eat a tiny bite of salad at family gatherings I think I will drive home now even though the traffic is really bad. dependent clause: even though the traffic is really bad independent clause: I think I will drive home now
Condition	if even if unless as long as provided that	As long as you have that awful manager, try to lay low and stay on her good side. dependent clause: as long as you have that awful manager independent clause: try to lay low and stay on her good side You might get a good grade if you come to class and turn in the homework on time. dependent clause: if you come to class and turn in the homework on time independent clause: you might get a good grade I'm going to break up with him unless he calls and begs for forgiveness. dependent clause: unless he calls and begs for forgiveness independent clause: I'm going to break up with him

More Examples of Complex Sentences

Each example has only a dependent clause, which cannot be by itself. What could you add to create a complex sentence?

Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

❌ Because this class is difficult.

Answer

✅ Because this class is difficult, I should sign up for weekly tutoring at the Writing and Reading Center.

✅ I should sign up for weekly tutoring at the Writing and Reading Center because this class is difficult.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{2}\)

❌ As soon as my alarm goes off.

Answer

✅ As soon as my alarm goes off, I always jump out of bed and chug a glass of water.

✅ I always jump out of bed and chug a glass of water as soon as my alarm goes off.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\)

❌ Even if it rains tomorrow.

Answer

✅ Even if it rains tomorrow, I will continue my habit of walking outside for 30 minutes.

✅ I will continue my habit of walking outside for 30 minutes even if it rains tomorrow.