### Definition of a Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is a type of sentence in English grammar that features an intricate structure, which includes at least one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, conveying a complete thought. In contrast, the dependent clause, while containing a subject and a verb, does not express a complete thought by itself and cannot stand alone as a sentence. Instead, it relies on the independent clause for its meaning and is often introduced by a subordinating conjunction.

The complexity of a complex sentence arises from the interplay between these two types of clauses. The dependent clause can function in various ways within the sentence, such as providing additional information, setting conditions, or expressing a cause-and-effect relationship with the independent clause.

### Characteristics of a Complex Sentence

1. Combination of Clauses: A complex sentence combines an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses.

2. Complete Thought: The independent clause expresses a complete thought.

3. Incomplete Thought: The dependent clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

4. Subordinating Conjunctions: Dependent clauses are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as "because," "although," "since," "when," "if," "while," and "although."

### Examples of Complex Sentences
1. **While I was studying for my exam, my roommate was watching TV.**
- Here, "my roommate was watching TV" is the dependent clause introduced by "while," which cannot stand alone but adds information about what was happening concurrently with the main action.

2. **Although she had never played the piano before, she performed beautifully.**
- The dependent clause "she had never played the piano before" is introduced by "although," and it provides a contrast to the main clause "she performed beautifully."

3. **If it rains tomorrow, the picnic will be canceled.**
- The dependent clause "it rains tomorrow" is introduced by "if," setting a condition for the main clause "the picnic will be canceled."

4. **Because he was tired, he went to bed early.**
- The dependent clause "he was tired" is introduced by "because," explaining the reason for the action in the main clause "he went to bed early."

5. **After she finished her homework, she went out to play.**
- The dependent clause "she finished her homework" is introduced by "after," indicating the sequence of events leading to the action in the main clause "she went out to play."

### Importance of Complex Sentences
Complex sentences are crucial in writing and speech because they allow for the expression of complex ideas and relationships between different pieces of information. They can make sentences more interesting and varied, and they can also convey more nuanced and detailed information.

### Conclusion
Understanding how to use complex sentences effectively is an important aspect of mastering English grammar. They add depth and complexity to language, enabling more sophisticated communication. By recognizing the structure and function of independent and dependent clauses, one can craft sentences that are both grammatically correct and rich in meaning.

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Definition. A complex sentence is a sentence that combines one independent clause with at least one dependent clause. A clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb. An independent clause forms a complete thought.read more >>