English Grammar II How to write complex sentences

A complex sentence must have an independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses. The
subordinate clause may be a noun clause, an adjective clause or an adverb clause.

Method: Change one of the simple sentences into an independent clause and the others into
subordinate clauses.

1.- Forming a complex sentence with a noun clause

A noun clause does the work of a noun. Among other functions, it can act as the subject or the object of
the verb in the clause. The following word can be used to introduce noun clauses : how, when, why,
where, who, whom, whose, that, which, if, whether, what, whatever, wherever, whenever, whoever,
whomever, whichever

Study the following sentences:

A good education is essential for success in life. He believes this.
He believes that a good education is essential for success in life.

Exercises:
Combine each pair of sentences into a single sentence containing a noun clause.

1. Could he depend on the guide? The traveller did not know.

2. He is bent on mischief. It is known to everybody.
3. Where does he live? It is a mystery.
4. We will have a good monsoon this year. The meteorologists expect this.
5. Is there life in other planets? We do not know as yet.
6. The accused was guilty. He admitted this in court.

2.-Forming a complex sentence with an adverb clause

We can form a complex sentence by combining two simple sentences using a subordinating conjunction
like when, as, since, till, where, if, though, unless, that, lest, weather, whereas etc.

Study the following sentences:

I went there. The door was locked.
When I went there the door was locked.

Exercise
Combine each pair of sentences given into a single sentence containing an adverb clause.

1.We got little rain this year. The crops have dried up.
2. He has expressed his regret. We will forget about it.
3. You finish dressing. I will wait here.
4. There is heavy rainfall there. Grapes will not grow at such a place.
5. It may rain. Then the match will be cancelled.
6. He is not educated. He has practical knowledge.
7. I sank into the water. I felt great confusion of thought.

3.- Forming a complex sentence with an adjective clause.

The following words can be used to introduce adjective clauses: relative pronouns who, whom, that,
which and the relative adverbs why, when and where

Study the following sentences:

The boy was caught. He had stolen the bicycle.
These two sentences can be combined into a complex sentence by using the relative pronoun who:
The boy who had stolen the bicycle was caught.

Exercise
Combine the pairs of sentences given below into a single sentence containing an adjective clause

1. The man arrived on Monday. His name is Michael.

2.This is a fine opportunity. It should not be lost.
3. This is an old fort. It was built during the 14th century.
4. This is the house. The murder was committed here.
5. My grandfather died. At that time, I was only six.
6. You refused to come. Can you tell me the reason?