Revise the Structure of Complex Sentences

A complex sentence links two or more ideas within one sentence. The two parts, or clauses, are usually linked by a conjunction. In the following sentence, the conjunction because is used to link the two clauses.

Mr Jones forgot to collect his suitcase because he was in a hurry.

The main clause in a complex sentence makes sense on its own.

Mr Jones forgot to collect his suitcase because he was in a hurry.

The subordinate clause begins with the conjunction and does not make sense on its own.

Mr Jones forgot to collect his suitcase because he was in a hurry.

A subordinate clause can be at the beginning of a sentence as well as at the end. Moving the clauses around can make your writing more varied and interesting to read.

Because he was in a hurry, Mr Jones forgot to collect his suitcase.

If the subordinate clause is at the beginning of the sentence we usually use a comma to separate the clauses.