What is a Complex Sentence? Definition & Examples for AP Lang Students

📚 Quick Study Guide

🔍 A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. 📝 The independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. 🔗 The dependent clause cannot stand alone and is introduced by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun. 💡 Subordinating conjunctions include words like *because, although, if, since, when, while, after, before, until, that, so that, unless, as*. 🔑 Relative pronouns include words like *who, whom, which, that, whose*. ✍️ The order of clauses can vary; a comma is used when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause. 🧠 Understanding complex sentences improves writing fluency and analytical skills.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the BEST definition of a complex sentence?
   1. A sentence with two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.
   2. A sentence with one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
   3. A sentence with only one clause.
   4. A sentence with two or more independent clauses and no dependent clauses.
2. Which of the following sentences is a complex sentence?
   1. The dog barked loudly.
   2. Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
   3. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.
   4. She went to the store and bought milk.
3. Identify the dependent clause in the following sentence: "After the game, we went out for pizza."
   1. we went out for pizza
   2. After the game
   3. for pizza
   4. the game
4. Which word commonly introduces a dependent clause?
   1. And
   2. But
   3. Because
   4. Or
5. In the sentence, "The student, who studied diligently, aced the test," what is the relative pronoun?
   1. The
   2. student
   3. who
   4. aced
6. Choose the sentence that correctly uses a comma when the dependent clause precedes the independent clause.
   1. Although it was cold we went swimming.
   2. We went swimming although it was cold.
   3. Although it was cold, we went swimming.
   4. We went, swimming although it was cold.
7. Which sentence effectively uses a complex structure to combine two related ideas?
   1. The cat sat on the mat, and it purred.
   2. The cat sat on the mat. It purred.
   3. Because the cat sat on the mat, it purred.
   4. The cat sat on the mat; it purred.