Complex Sentences

How to write complex sentences

Writing a complex sentence is easy if you have a basic understanding of conjunctions and relative pronouns. Study the examples given below.

Maria is a brilliant girl. She is 12 years old. She lives with her grandmother.

As you can see we have got three simple sentences. We can combine them together and form a complex sentence.

Maria is a brilliant 12 year old girl who lives with her grandmother.

Here are some points to keep in mind when we combine simple sentences into complex sentences:

Ø  Avoid the repetition of words.

Ø  You will probably have to change words.

Ø  Add linking words like conjunctions or relative pronouns.

Another example is given below.

Her name is Susie. She is a well-known singer. She lives in Chicago.

We can combine these three sentences in two ways.

Susie, who lives in Chicago, is a well-known singer.

OR Susie, who is a well-known singer, lives in Chicago.

Try this: Combine the following pairs of simple sentences into complex sentences.

1. John went to the movies. He had a lot of work to do.

2. Vishnu is a brilliant boy. He has won several honors.

3. Mark didn’t get the job. He lacked the necessary qualifications.

4. Harry is a baseball player. He is known all over the world.

Suggested answers

1. John went to the movies although he had a lot of work to do.

2. Vishnu is a brilliant boy who has won several honours.

3. Mark didn’t get the job because he lacked the necessary qualifications.

4. Harry is a baseball player who is known all over the world.