Total Apex University Logo

Understanding Complex Sentences

1. What Is a Complex Sentence?

A complex sentence contains:

  • One independent clause (a complete sentence)
  • At least one dependent clause (cannot stand alone)
  • A subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun connecting them

Basic Formula

Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause  

or

Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause

Examples

  • The app crashed because the server overloaded.
  • Although the player was injured, the team won the game.
  • Users will see the update when they restart the app.

Complex sentences show relationships between ideas — something simple and compound sentences cannot do alone.

2. Why Complex Sentences Matter

Complex sentences are essential for:

A. Explaining Cause and Effect

  • The feature was delayed because the team found a bug.

B. Showing Contrast

  • Although the movie leaked early, fans still watched the premiere.

C. Establishing Time Relationships

  • When the trailer dropped, social media exploded.

D. Adding Depth and Nuance

They allow writers to combine:

  • Context
  • Conditions
  • Explanations
  • Background

E. Improving SEO

Google rewards:

  • Clear logic
  • Strong relationships between ideas
  • Well‑structured sentences

F. Professional Tone

Complex sentences help writers sound authoritative and informed.

3. How to Form a Complex Sentence

There are two main structures.

A. Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

No comma needed.

Examples

  • The team celebrated after they won the championship.
  • The article went viral because it covered a trending topic.
  • The app will update when users restart their devices.

This structure is clean and natural.

B. Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause

A comma is required when the dependent clause comes first.

Examples

  • Because the server crashed, the update was delayed.
  • Although the weather was terrible, the game continued.
  • When the trailer dropped, fans reacted instantly.

This structure adds emphasis to the dependent clause.

4. Subordinating Conjunctions That Create Complex Sentences

These words introduce dependent clauses.

Cause

because, since, as

The app crashed because the server overloaded.

Contrast

although, though, even though, whereas

Although the team struggled, they won.

Time

when, while, before, after, until, as soon as

As soon as the update launched, users downloaded it.

Condition

if, unless, provided that

If the patch works, the issue will be resolved.

Purpose

so that, in order that

The team trained early so that they could prepare.

Result

so…that

The movie was so popular that it broke records.

Relative Pronouns

who, which, that, whose, where, when

The player who scored the goal became the MVP.

5. What Complex Sentences Are Not

Writers often confuse complex sentences with other structures.

Not a Simple Sentence

The player who scored celebrated.  

(This is complex — contains a relative clause.)

Not a Compound Sentence

The player scored, and the crowd cheered.  

(Two independent clauses → compound)

Not a Run‑On

The player scored the crowd cheered.  

(No connector)

Not a Fragment

Because the player scored.  

(Dependent clause only)

6. Rules Writers Should Memorize

A. Use a Comma When the Dependent Clause Comes First

Correct:

Although it rained, the game continued.

Incorrect:

Although it rained the game continued.

B. No Comma When the Independent Clause Comes First

Correct:

The game continued although it rained.

C. Keep Clauses Clear and Logical

Avoid burying the main idea.

Weak:

Although the update caused issues that frustrated many users, the company that released it last week responded quickly.  

(Too long, too many clauses)

Better:

Although the update caused issues, the company responded quickly.

D. Don’t Overuse Complex Sentences

Too many = heavy, slow writing.

Mix with simple and compound sentences for rhythm.

E. Use the Right Subordinating Conjunction

  • because = cause
  • although = contrast
  • when = time
  • if = condition

7. Examples in Real Article Writing

Before (Weak)

The update launched. Users reported issues.

After (Strong)

Users reported issues after the update launched.

Another Example

Before:  

The player was injured. He continued playing.

After:  

Although the player was injured, he continued playing.

One More Example

Before:  

The movie premiered. Fans reacted online.

After:  

When the movie premiered, fans reacted online.

8. Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers

Complex sentences are essential for professional writing.

They help writers:

  • Explain cause and effect
  • Show contrast
  • Establish time relationships
  • Add depth and nuance
  • Strengthen SEO
  • Improve flow and logic

Mastering complex sentences helps contributors produce clean, polished, high‑performing content across every Total Apex vertical — from news to gaming to sports to lifestyle.