a complex sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing sentence structure, particularly in grammar or writing contexts. Example: "A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one dependent clause, which adds depth to the writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The result is a complex sentence.

The New York Times

In fact, the entire sentence is a complex sentence, because it is made up of both independent and dependent clauses.

The New York Times

A complex sentence with 40 or more words, for instance, might be interpreted in as many as 1,000 different ways.

MIT Technology Review

We would take a complex sentence and break it down into the parts of speech, then represent that structure in a compact, orderly diagram.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If you struggle with a complex sentence, repeat the sentence each time emphasizing a different word to get more comfortable with pronouncing each part.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As his career went on, his stuff lost nuance – he became more of a belter, less likely to worry his way through a complex sentence or thought.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's dramatic, for sure, but in a measured, nuanced, knotty way, like a long, complex sentence with many digressive clauses and a logic sometimes hard to follow.

The New York Times - Arts

An attempt to tame a really complex sentence can oil your brain, twist it into a pretzel and make it do back flips.

The New York Times

As so often in the book, Paterson uses the unattached demonstrative to indicate a long, complex sentence that includes obscure elements.

Yale University

This is a much more complex sentence.

WikiHow

Also, the candidates at a higher level displayed the ability to construct a sentence with more complex sentence patterns.

Language Testing in Asia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting thesis statements, aim for "a complex sentence" to articulate nuanced arguments effectively.

Common error

Avoid excessive embedding of clauses within "a complex sentence"; ensure clarity and readability for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a complex sentence" is to express a complete thought that includes both a main idea and supporting information. It is used to convey nuanced relationships between ideas, as Ludwig AI confirms through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the analysis confirms that "a complex sentence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, as Ludwig AI points out. It is predominantly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts. Its function is to express complete thoughts with main and supporting information, serving the purpose of conveying intricate ideas. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, it remains a valuable tool for effective communication across various writing styles. Mastering the art of crafting "a complex sentence" involves understanding its components and using it judiciously to enhance clarity and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grammatically complex sentence

Adds "grammatically" to explicitly state the source of the complexity.

an intricate sentence

Replaces "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and elaborate nature of the sentence.

an involved sentence

Uses "involved" to suggest the sentence has many parts and layers.

a compound-complex sentence

Specifies a particular type of complex sentence, which combines features of both compound and complex structures.

a multi-clausal sentence

Focuses on the presence of multiple clauses within the sentence.

a sophisticated sentence structure

Replaces "sentence" with "sentence structure" and adds the adjective "sophisticated", highlighting its advanced nature.

a convoluted sentence

Suggests the sentence is difficult to follow due to its complexity.

a dense sentence

Emphasizes the high information content packed into the sentence.

an elaborate sentence

Highlights the detailed and carefully constructed nature of the sentence.

a lengthy and complex sentence

Emphasizes not only complexity, but also length as a related feature.

FAQs

How is "a complex sentence" different from a compound sentence?

"A complex sentence" contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, while a compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses.

What are the essential components of "a complex sentence"?

The essential components are an independent clause, which can stand alone as a sentence, and at least one dependent clause, which cannot stand alone.

Can you provide examples of conjunctions that create "a complex sentence"?

Subordinating conjunctions like "because", "although", and "if" are commonly used to create "a complex sentence" by linking a dependent clause to an independent clause.

What is the role of dependent clauses in "a complex sentence"?

Dependent clauses add additional information to the main idea expressed in the independent clause, providing context or detail to "a complex sentence".