Complex Sentences and Subordination

Layer clauses for sophisticated writing.

Examples

• Although he was tired, he finished what he had begun.

Key rules

• A complex sentence has a main clause and at least one subordinate clause
• Subordinators: because, although, when, if, while, which
• Put a comma when the subordinate clause comes first
• Avoid fragments

Common mistakes

• Because it rained. We stayed in. → Because it rained, we stayed in.
• Although he tried, but he failed → Although he tried, he failed