Example of Complex Sentences
Spanish Classes / / July 04, 2021
Complex sentences are also called compound sentences. This type of sentence is characterized by containing more than one predicate. They are opposed to simple sentences, which contain only one predicate. Complex or compound sentences, then, consist of two or more simple sentences, which are joined by some kind of link or nexus.
Complex sentences provide more information than simple sentences. In a complex sentence there can be different types of meaning relations between the predicates or the simple sentences that they conform, for example, relations of comparison, of opposition, of disjunction, of cause and effect, of explanation, to mention some.
It is important to note that a predicate It is the part of the sentence that tells us or informs us about a subject, which can appear explicitly or implicitly in the sentence. The core of the predicate is a conjugated verb; that is, the central or most important part of the predicate, around which the other elements are grouped, is the verb. By having more than one predicate,
Complex sentences contain more than one conjugated verb. The verb expresses an action, a state or a process that a subject performs or suffers.Complex sentence types:
Complex or compound sentences They can be of three types, according to the type of relationship that exists between the predicates or simple sentences that make up the complex sentence and the way in which they are joined. Complex sentences can be formed by coordination, by juxtaposition or by subordination. Each of the types of complex sentences is explained below.
1. Coordinated sentences:
In coordinated sentences, predicates or sentences are joined by coordinating conjunctions. These conjunctions unite both parts so that each one is independent and could work separately, without one sentence strictly depending on the other.
Coordinate sentences can be one of the following types, according to the type of conjunction that joins the sentences:
a) Consecutive coordinated sentences. They are the ones that are united by means of consecutive conjunctions. Consecutive conjunctions are so then Y soon. They are also formed by means of conjunctive phrases, such as so, so that, therefore, therefore, accordingly ...
Examples of consecutive coordinate sentences:
- We ran out of light in the house soon we will have to light candles.
- They did not pay the monthly payment to the bank, therefore they charged them more interest.
- Will rain, with what we better carry an umbrella.
b) Coordinated disjunctive sentences. They are the ones that are united by means of disjunctive conjunctions. The disjunctive conjunctions are or Y or. They both have the same meaning; the difference is that the conjunction or it is written before words beginning with the / o / sound to avoid a cacophony.
Examples of disjunctive coordinate sentences:
- Did they bring the drinks and the ice or forgot to go buy them?
- Write legibly on the line or you will have to repeat the exercise.
- Do not scream or the sleeping baby could be awakened.
c) Copulative coordinated sentences. They are those that are united by means of copulative conjunctions. The disjunctive conjunctions are and, e Y neither. Examples of copulative coordinate sentences:
- The teacher took the roll to the students Y scored assists and absences is a sheet.
- They ate a lot and they invited the neighbors to eat.
- It hasn't rained for a month neither the temperature has not dropped either.
d) adversative coordinated sentences. They are the ones that are united by means of adversative conjunctions. The adversative conjunctions are but, if not Y more. They are also formed by means of conjunctive phrases with adversative value, such as However or Nevertheless.Examples of adversative coordinate sentences:
- In the story "Pedro y el lobo" Pedro tells the truth, but in the end no one believes him after so many lies.
- The competition is very close, more you have a chance to win.
- He did not answer the phone, otherwise that he avoided contacting us at all costs.
e) Coordinate distributive sentences They are those that are united by means of distributive conjunctions. The adversative conjunctions are Ora Ora…; well well…; now... now... These conjunctions work in pairs and indicate alternation or variation between two ideas. Examples of adversative coordinate sentences:
- Pray there is enough money in the bank account, now the account is in the red.
- Already walk to the side of the room, already walk back to the other side.
- Well we can settle, well we can speak out and demand our rights.
2. Subordinate clauses
In subordinate clauses, predicates or clauses are joined by means of subordinating conjunctions, prepositions or certain adverbs. In subordinate sentences a relationship of subordination is created between both parties: one depends on the other. Therefore, in subordinate clauses we find two clauses: a main clause and a subordinate clause, the which cannot function independently but acquires its full meaning in relation to the sentence principal.
Subordinate clauses can be of the following types, according to the type of syntactic function that the subordinate clause fulfills within the main clause:
a) Subordinate adjective clauses. They are the subordinate clauses that have a function similar to that of an adjective. They are divided into two: explanatory subordinate clauses (they explain a quality or characteristic of a noun) and specific subordinate clauses (specify a noun for delimit it). Examples of adjectival subordinate clauses:
- Home where I was born and raised They are going to demolish it. (Specific adjective subordinate clause).
- The light, dim and warmIt gave the place a romantic atmosphere. (Explanatory adjectival subordinate clause).
b) Subordinate Subordinate Claims. They are subordinate clauses that have a function similar to that of a noun. They are divided according to the type of function that is fulfilled; They can be of the following types: substantive subordinate clauses of subject, complement of the noun, direct object, of indirect complement, adverb complement, adjective complement, regime complement, agent complement, attribute. Examples of substantive subordinate clauses:
- Have so many friends speaks highly of her. (Subordinate subject sentence).
- He told me that he didn't want to see me. (Subordinate noun direct object clause).
- The plumbing was fixed by an experienced plumber. (Subordinate Subordinate Sentence of Agent Complement).
- Seems that there are not many options to choose from. (Subordinate substantive sentence of attribute).
c) Adverbial subordinate clauses. They are subordinate clauses that have a function similar to that of an adverb. They can be of the following types: adverbial subordinate clause of time, of manner, of place, conditional, causal, concessive, final or comparative. Examples of adverbial subordinate clauses:
- Do it as you know how to do it. (Comparative adverbial subordinate sentence).
- Even if i have money, you can't do everything you want. (Concessive adverbial subordinate sentence).
- The godfather gave his godson a gift to remember. (Final adverbial subordinate clause).
- We peek through the peephole when they knocked on the door. (Adverbial subordinate clause of time)
3. Juxtaposed sentences
In juxtaposed sentences, the predicates or sentences are joined by punctuation marks. Each punctuation mark has its own rules of use and creates a certain relationship of meaning between the two sentences together.
Juxtaposed sentences can be of the following types, depending on the type of punctuation mark used to join juxtaposed sentences:
a) Sentences juxtaposed by commas. The sentences are linked by commas. Examples:
- He had a few drinks, had dinner, changed his clothes, and went to sleep.
- Eye by eye, tooth by tooth.
b) Sentences juxtaposed by two points. Sentences are linked by a colon. Examples:
- There was nothing more to say: each one had already given his point of view.
- The child is angry: they did not want to buy him a vanilla ice cream.
c) Sentences juxtaposed by semicolons. Sentences are linked by semicolons. Examples:
- I have a blue car; she, a black car; him, a white car.
- She has raised the cost of basic services; however, wages are still not rising.
110 Examples of complex sentences
50 Examples of Coordinate Sentences
10 Examples of Consecutive Coordinate Sentences (joined by consecutive or ilative conjunctions)
- The road is blocked with some stones, with what we will have to take an alternative route.
- The baby cries, soon there is something that bothers you or has a need.
- She doesn't want to do anything to change her bad habits well she will regret it some day.
- All the ATMs were broken so we were unable to withdraw money.
- There is very little light in the room, so that it is difficult to take pictures without flash.
- She earns very well at her job, therefore she could save a part of her salary for her future.
- There is a shortage in the product, Thus it has increased its demand and its price.
- There have been several robberies in the area, in consecuense merchants are taking security measures.
- The red light of the traffic light ran, with what she was awarded a traffic ticket.
- She went out of her way to help us in a difficult time, so We are very grateful for her support.
10 Examples of Disjunctive Coordinate Sentences (joined by disjunctive conjunctions)
- Change your attitude to a positive one or your negative attitude will keep you from going far.
- We must remove spoiled food from the refrigerator or It will smell very bad and spoil another meal.
- Stay active during the day or walk for at least 30 to 40 minutes.
- Don't let money and fame keep you from your loved ones or you will forget what is really important in life.
- The government must respond to the requests of its citizens or there will be great discontent that could provoke a riot.
- Pay attention to the little details or you will miss something important.
- We will take a good look at the path we are traveling or We could end up walking in circles
- Must behave better in class and be more respectful to superiors or you will get some sanction.
- The sequel to the film must be equal to or better than the previous one or the public will lose interest in it.
- Governments must do something to stop the war or many innocent people will die.
10 Examples of copulative coordinate sentences (joined by copulative conjunctions)
- We walked through the mud Y our clothes and shoes got muddy.
- They thought about the needs of the client and they invented a product that covered them.
- I don't like walking in dark places neither I bear being in very confined places.
- Donate your money to a good cause Y you will be helping more people to have decent living conditions.
- To love is to forgive Y to hate is to seek revenge.
- The runner kept a steady pace Y thus he managed to hold out until the end of the race.
- Next weekend there is a time change Y the clocks must be advanced one hour.
- Started a campaign to help street children Y changed the lives of many.
- I was hot Y I ordered a very cold beer.
- The reasons were not explained to us neither They gave us arguments to justify their actions.
10 Examples of adversative coordinate sentences (joined by adverse conjunctions)
- The comedian gave a very good presentation, more the audience was not very enthusiastic during the performance.
- Andrés is a somewhat arrogant and self-centered person, but he is still a good person.
- Don't expect something from others otherwise Try not to prejudge people, either positively or negatively.
- The food is delicious Nevertheless some salt is missing.
- I can attend the party However, I do not want to go.
- Some doors may be closed more there will always be others that you can open.
- The tickets are sold out but there are still some radio shows and organizations that are raffling tickets.
- You must not speak with your mouth full, otherwise that you should chew carefully so as not to choke.
- Imitating is inevitable in art, more you must find your own voice and try to become original.
- The shirt was dirty Nevertheless, it did not seem to be.
10 Examples of distributive coordinate sentences (joined by distributive conjunctions)
- Pray the weather is sunny, now the weather is cold and wet.
- Already they announce a winner in the raffle, already they announce another winner.
- Well you can correct his mistakes, well You can lie to him and tell him that he made it perfect.
- Pray the police question a new suspect, now there is a twist in the investigation and they question other suspects.
- Already they rent a place, already they move to another location.
- Well sings in tune, well go out of tune and sing out of tune.
- Work is very unstable: now we won well, now we didn't win very well.
- Already they offer their condolences, already they give them words of comfort again.
- Well we can play cards, well we can play chinese checkers.
- Pray she puts on makeup and gets ready to go out, now He goes out without grooming or worrying about his appearance.
30 Examples of subordinate clauses
10 Examples of adjectival subordinate clauses
- Home whose number is 237 is to the address where are we going.
- Rodrigo, who finished his military service a few years ago, train new soldiers.
- Suitcase which is in the hall It is from the new tenant of the building.
- The place where do i keep my glasses is the same Where do I keep my wallet and my cell phone?.
- The conference, which lasted 90 minutes, it was very interesting and enlightening.
- The program that happen at eight at night I hardly ever miss it.
- Treatment against hair, consisting of the application of laser, lasts about twelve months.
- The pants what did Ana buy? It is a little loose at the waist.
- The car whose owner just parked it is in a forbidden place.
- The clothes that we order in the virtual store It will arrive at our house without any shipping cost.
10 Examples of substantive subordinate clauses
- The teacher taught the children that they must always be respectful and tolerant of people.
- I learned that good things don't always come fast and you have to know how to wait for them.
- The dog trainer managed that the puppies he was training were obedient to the commands he taught them.
- They accepted in the call to those who sent the documents in a timely manner.
- The teacher was very happy for what his students had achieved.
- I feel happy to be here with all of you.
- The researchers verified that the suspect had committed the crime.
- We didn't realize that something was on fire in the kitchen until the house was filled with smoke.
- Rita is interested that their children are interested in practicing some sport.
- That he had a car of his own It made it easier for him to start working as a taxi driver.
10 Examples of adverbial subordinate clauses
- Although they were afraid, they went into the cave to investigate what was there.
- I passed the math test even though it was very complicated.
- He couldn't go to the meeting because he had a last minute mishap.
- He gave her a ticket so that he could go to the store to buy whatever he wanted.
- We wrapped your gift with paper so that it was not seen what it was.
- If you are careful when driving, there is less chance of you being in a traffic accident.
- I paint a picture as his teacher of painting techniques taught him.
- If you are disciplined, you will be able to better organize your time and your activities.
- He sat on the chair that had one of the broken legs.
- I'm going to change jobs when i find a better option.
30 Examples of juxtaposed sentences:
10 Examples of sentences juxtaposed by semicolons
- Several strange noises were heard during the night; apparently there were some animals roaming the garage.
- This exercise machine is used to exercise the deltoids; this one, to exercise the biceps; this one, to exercise the triceps; this one, to exercise the forearm.
- The thief tried to hide the theft from him; however, the security cameras gave him away.
- There are forty rooms in this hotel; each one has its own particular style to create a unique stay experience.
- Some motorists ignore traffic signals; hence, there are several accidents due to this.
- Rigo painted a house in painting class; little Sofia, an apple tree; Luis, a highway crowded with trucks; and Fernanda, various animals on a farm.
- We live our lives worried about the future; We rarely stop to enjoy what happens to us in the present.
- They asked him to leave the establishment; however, she refused to do so.
- This car travels fourteen kilometers per liter of fuel; this other, fifteen kilometers; that one, twenty-two kilometers; and this one, eighteen kilometers.
- This is one of the most beautiful sculptures in the city; it represents the fight for freedom of expression.
10 Examples of sentences juxtaposed by a colon
- Tania and Andrés have a happy marriage: they have been married for more than ten years and are still madly in love.
- On the table there was everything to do crafts: paintings, fabrics, different types of papers, colors, markers, brushes, etc.
- Her mouth was dirty: she hadn't wanted to brush it for two days.
- The transfer cable is not working - The device is not detected by the computer.
- These tennis shoes are special for running: they cushion the fall to reduce the impact on the ankles and knees.
- We have time: there are still ten minutes.
- Commercial breaks are very long: they last up to ten minutes.
- She boasts the scars on her body: they are the memory of different events that have marked her person.
- The bank's customers were growing impatient: the line was moving very slowly.
- You have two options: forgive or continue to hold that anger.
10 Examples of sentences juxtaposed by commas
- The prince and princess got married, started a life together, and lived happily ever after.
- There was dancing, there was food, there was fun, and there were various surprises.
- Mix all the ingredients well to form a homogeneous dough, stretch the dough on a flat surface, cut the dough into the desired shape.
- Come in, do what you have to do and get out.
- The game consists in that you must choose a piece, roll the dice and advance the boxes indicated by the dice.
- The prefect entered the room, gave several notices, and left quickly.
- To prepare this drink you must incorporate the ice, pour the juice, add lemon and mix with red wine.
- You are a very good person as you help others, you are patient and you always have good intentions.
- We went to the art gallery, took some notes, photographed some paintings, and reviewed the performance.
- He opened the backpack, took out his notebooks and supplies, and closed it again.