When you join two clauses, but one depends on the other for
its meaning, we call one a dependent clause and the other an
independent clause. Often, the dependent clause is introduced
with a subordinating conjunction.
Common subordinating conjunctions are:
- after
- although
- as
- as if
- as long as
- as though
- because
- before
- even if
- even though
- if
- if only
- in order that
- now that
- once
- rather than
- since
- so that
- though
- till
- unless
- until
- when
- whenever
- where
- whereas
- wherever
- while
After the party was over, Melvin realized
he had lost his wallet.
Because the dragon belches flame, it often has to replace
its furniture.
Often, the dependent clause starts the sentence, but sometimes
it can occur after the independent clause. Either of these is
correct:
I leave happiness, joy, and strange pictures behind me wherever
I go.
Wherever I go, I leave happiness, joy, and strange pictures.
Complex sentences are very useful in persuasion because their
structure is logical. Below is a paragraph by Josh B. (written
in 2005) about this:
Since persuasion is very important in life, and many teachers
don't teach it, I will persuade you to write a persuasion
article. Before you start writing, you must pick an interesting
topic such as "Longer Weekends" or "Less Homework."
Even though these topics are specific, they have a point that
can be argued. After you choose a topic, you must create a
draft. As long as some of the sentences in your article are
comlex sentences, then your article will be persuasive. When
you are writing, make sure to state your point a couple of
times, so your reader knows what you are arguing about. Although
persuasion writing seems difficult, it is fun to write, and
it will enforce your argument.
Of course, Josh wrote only in complex sentences. For more practice
with complex sentences, look here.
