In syntax, a sentence with an independent clause and at least one dependent clause is referred to as a complex sentence. The dependent clause is often introduced by a subordinate conjunction such as "which", "while" or "because".
Examples
- I ate the meal which you cooked.
- I ate the meal is an independent clause, which you cooked is dependent.
- When I saw what you had done, I was happy.
- Two dependent clauses, and one indepedent.
Contrast with:
- I was scared, but I didn't run away.
- Both clauses are independent. This is a compound sentence but not a complex sentence.
- The dog you gave me barked at me and bit my hand.
- Two independent clauses ("barked at me" and "bit my hand") and one dependent clause ("[which] you gave me"). This is a complex-compound sentence.
See also
