complex sentence

Definitions

1. A sentence that contains an independent clause as well as one or more dependent clauses, such as a relative clause, an adverbial clause, or a noun clause.
2. A sentence that contains multiple clauses, whether independent (coordinated) or dependent (subordinated); compound or complex sentence.

Equivalents

Examples

“Sentences are either simple or complex. […] A complex sentence consists of two or more members, as, “Alexander, when he had conquered the world, is said to have⟳ wept, because there were not other worlds to subdue.” […] When a member of a complex sentence is simple, it is called indifferently a member, or a clause; as, “I have⟳ called; but ye have⟳ refused.””

“Complex sentences are traditionally divided into two basic types: (i) sentences including co-ordinate clauses, and (ii) sentences including subordinate clauses.”

“A sentence consisting of more than one clause is said to be complex. […] There are many ways of combining clauses to form⟳ a complex sentence. Coordinate constructions represent⟳ the special case of symmetry, parallelism, and coequality among the component clauses. More typically, these properties are lacking by virtue of one clause being subordinated to another.”

CEFR level