Complex Sentences & Clauses
Main clauses, subordinate clauses: noun clauses, adjective clauses, and adverb clauses
What are Complex Sentences?
A complex sentence has one independent (main) clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. The subordinate clause cannot stand alone — it depends on the main clause for meaning.
Types of Subordinate Clauses
Noun Clause
Acts as a noun in the sentence — as subject, object, or complement. Introduced by that, whether, if, or wh- words.
I know that she is honest.
Whether he will come is uncertain.
Adjective Clause (Relative Clause)
Modifies a noun like an adjective. Introduced by relative pronouns (who, whom, which, that, whose) or relative adverbs (where, when, why).
The man who called you is my uncle.
This is the house where I grew up.
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
From novelAdverb Clause
Modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb like an adverb. Indicates time, place, cause, condition, concession, purpose, result, or comparison.
I will wait until you come back.
Because it rained, we stayed home.