A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The independent clause expresses the main idea, and the dependent clauses express subordinate ideas or emphasize one thought over others.
We lost touch with the Scheppers [independent clause] after they moved [dependent clause].
The problem, which wouldn't be so serious if presidents were limited to one six-year term, is that the chief executive won't do anything that might hinder his reelection, [dependent clause embedded in independent clause]
Complex sentences combined with simple sentences and compound sentences give your writing variety and interest. Furthermore, you can sometimes make your meaning more exact if you subordinate one of the independent clauses of a compound sentence, thereby creating a complex sentence. (See also subordination .)
The Scheppers moved and we lost touch with them, [compound sentence with coordinating conjunction]
After the Scheppers moved, we lost touch with them, [complex sentence with subordinating conjunction]
