Transforming Simple Sentences into Complex Sentences

There are many ways to enrich your writing and engage your readers, one such method is transforming simple sentences into complex sentences. This article will explore how to introduce more depth and nuance to a straightforward sentence such as “When the sun set we returned home.”

Understanding the Basics of a Compound Sentence

A compound sentence is formed when two or more independent clauses (main clauses) are connected by a coordinator (such as ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘or’, ‘so’, etc.). For example, considering the sentence “When the sun set we returned home,” we can transform it into a compound sentence in several ways. Here are some examples:

Example 1: Compound Main Clause

The sun having set, we returned home.

This sentence uses a participial phrase as a dependent clause introduced by the word 'having'. The comma here separates the dependent clause from the main clause, creating a compound sentence.

Example 2: Simple Compound Sentence

The sun set, and we returned home.

Here, both clauses are independent, and they are connected by the coordinator 'and'. This sentence is a basic example of a compound sentence.

Example 3: Compound with Two Independent Clauses

The sun having set, we returned home and went to bed.

In this sentence, we further expand the idea by adding another independent clause. This makes it a more complex sentence structure.

Creating Dependent Clauses

Dependent clauses, also known as subordinate clauses, provide additional information and cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like 'when', 'since', 'because', etc.

Example 4: Dependent Clause at the Beginning

When the sun set and the air cooled, we returned home.

Here, the subordinating conjunction 'when' introduces an adverbial clause that gives a reason or context for the main clause. The additional information about the air cooling adds depth to the sentence.

Example 5: Dependent Clause in the Main Clause

The sun had set and we returned home.

In this sentence, we use past perfect tense to emphasize the sequence of events. The sentence indicates that the sun had set before we returned home.

Using Coordinators vs. Subordinating Conjunctions

The choice between using coordinators and subordinating conjunctions depends on the relationship between the clauses.

Coordinators

Coordinators are used to connect two independent clauses that are of equal importance. Common coordinators are:

Parentheses (and): The sun set (and) we returned home. Semicolons (;): The sun set; we returned home. Colons (:): The sun had set : we returned home. For: For the sun had set, we returned home.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are used to express the relationship between a subordinate clause and a main clause. Examples include 'although', 'because', 'since', etc.:

Although the sun had set, we were still out. Because the sun had set, we decided to return home.

Conclusion

Transforming simple sentences into complex sentences enhances the readability and sophistication of your writing. By using different types of clauses and coordinators, you can add more depth and detail to your sentences. Whether you choose to use dependent clauses, coordinators, or a combination of both, the key is to maintain clarity and coherence.