complex sentence

noun

1. a sentence containing one or more dependent clauses in addition to the main clause, as When the bell rings (dependent clause), walk out (main clause).

complex sentence

noun

1. grammar a sentence containing at least one main clause and one subordinate clause

complex sentence

1. A sentence that contains one main clause or independent clause and at least one subordinate clause or dependent clause : “Although I am tired (subordinate clause), I want to go to the midnight movie (main clause).” ( See subordination ; compare compound sentence , compound-complex sentence , and simple sentence .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of complex sentence¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

I do have to say, so I give these long, sometimes very complex sentences and paragraphs, but they all come together.

From Los Angeles Times

Yasuda concludes, "Simply having complex sentence structures does not necessarily lead to a better essay."

From Science Daily

As the disease progresses, these individuals may have a hard time understanding complex sentences.

From Scientific American

This is of course necessary when faced with those complex sentences, wherein often, as E.M.

From Washington Post

Gregerson instead sets up clean arguments, even syllogisms, in complex sentences designed to fasten us to her considered conclusions.

From New York Times