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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 .)


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Word History and Origins

Origin of complex sentence1

First recorded in 1880–85

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Example Sentences

A complex sentence contains one principal clause and one or more subordinate clauses.

Respecting the person of the verb in the first proposition of a complex sentence there is no doubt.

The complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one subordinate clause.

No. 20 is a simple sentence, with a complex sentence in parenthesis.

A dependent clause in a complex sentence may also be an adjective clause.

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inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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