Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is made up of a simple sentence and a clause joined by a subordinating conjunction.

Simple Sentence + Dependent Clause = Complex Sentence

Subordinating conjunctions include because, although, until, if, and since.

Do not use a comma if the subordinating conjunction is in the middle of the sentence.

The parrotfish does not eat other fish since it is an herbivore.

I need a new pair of sneakers because I have grown out of my old ones.

Since it is already late, we are not going to start watching the movie today.

Remember, compound sentences join TWO simple sentences with a comma and connecting word like and, or, but, or so.

A complex sentence has ONE simple sentence joined with a dependent clause using because, although, until, if, or since.

The house was destroyed in the fire, but the whole family was saved. (Compound)

The teacher returned the homework because she noticed the student forgot the second page. (Complex)