Complex Sentences

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 4

Writing- A2 CEF Level

Today's lesson:

1. Short review Compound Sentences (coordinating conjunctions),
2. Intro to Complex Sentence & its structure 
3. Independent clause versus Dependent clause,
4. Subordinating Conjunctions & their functions

Learning Objectives -Writing- A2 CEF Level

After this class you:

• can write compound and complex sentences related to matters of immediate necessity (email, order form, quotation, request, complaint form, etc.).

• can write compound and complex sentences about family, living conditions, educational background, current or most recent job writing.

• can easily compose* personal/semi-formal letters/emails to convey* gratitude or apology to a colleague, client, customer or guest.

*compound sentence= samengestelde zin

*complex sentence= ondergeschikte samengestelde zin

*to compose= opstellen                                                                                      *to convey= overbrengen

Techniques to connect sentences/ideas

• Technique 1- Compound sentence: 

Connecting/linking ideas together using coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS).

• Technique 2- Complex sentence: 

Connecting/linking ideas using subordinating conjunctions. 

What are the coordinating conjunctions?

What is the function of coordinating conjunctions?

Structure of a complex sentence

A complex sentence contains:

an independent clause + subordinating conjunction +  a dependent clause

(or)

a dependent clause + subordinating conjunction, + an independent clause

The complex sentence 

• When a subordinating conjunction is used to combine clauses, two independent clauses are written side by side.
• Each of the independent clauses can stand on its own but each is related to the other.

To show primary importance to one clause, you will have to change one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause by using a subordinating conjunction.

The dependent clause

• A dependent clause may contain a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone as a sentence; it is DEPENDENT on an independent clause for completeness.
• A dependent clause does not have sufficient meaning to allow it to stand alone as a complete idea.

Example: Since she failed her exam.              This clause cannot stand alone!

Commonly used subordinating conjunctions

as

because

since

Reason

Contrast

although

through

even though

Condition

whether

if

unless

Time

until

whenever

while

Result

so that

Coordinating vs. Subordinating conjunctions

• Coordinating conjunctions, like subordinating conjunctions, are used to join independent clauses, however, coordinating conjunctions give the SAME emphasis to both clauses.
• Subordinating conjunctions deemphasize one clause by turning it into a dependent clause. This process is called subordination.

Function of Subordinating Conjunctions

• To make one idea to be of lesser importance than another idea. 

• Are commonly used when there are two independent clauses and the writer wants one main idea to be emphasized! This is done by using subordinating conjunctions.

Now it's your turn!

Underline the independent clause once, the dependent clause twice, and circle the subordinating conjunction.

1. I reviewed my client’s report after our session was over.
   
2. The teenagers partied each day while their parents were away.
   
3. Until the child is protected, he will continue to suffer in the hands of his abuser.
   
4. The surgery was successful although the patient remained ill for weeks.
   
5. Before an earthquake sends tremors through the ground, animals can somehow sense it is going to happen.
   
6. She rarely takes vacations because she is the CEO.
   

Techniques to connect ideas

• Technique 1- Compound sentence: 

Connecting/linking ideas together using coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS).

• Technique 2- Complex sentence: 

Connecting/linking ideas using subordinating conjunctions. 

A1-CEF Level (ERK)

A2- CEF Level (ERK)

Did you learn something new today?