English Grammar

Synthesis of sentences - IV

Ways of combining two or more simple sentences into one complex sentence

A complex sentence must have a principal clause and one or more subordinate clauses. The subordinate clause may be a noun clause, an adjective clause or an adverb clause.

Forming a complex sentence with a noun clause

• We stand for peace. That should be known to everyday.
• That we stand for peace should be known to everybody. OR It should be known to everybody that we stand for peace.
• He had failed. I told him that.
• I told him that he had failed.
• Where can we find the money for it? That is the question.
• The question is where we can find the money.

Forming a complex sentence with an adjective clause

Connected by the relative pronouns who, which or that

• The boy was caught. He had stolen the watch.
• The boy who had stolen the watch was caught.
• The man arrived on Friday. His name is John.
• The man whose name is John arrived on Friday.
• This is a fine opportunity. It should not be lost.
• This is a fine opportunity which should not be lost.
• This is an old fort. It was built by Akbar.
• This is an old fort that was built by Akbar.

Connected by the relative adverbs where, when and why

• This is the house. The theft was committed there.
• This is the house where the theft was committed.
• His father died. At that time he was only eight.
• At the time when his father died he was only eight.
• You refused to sing. Can you tell me the reason?
• Can you tell me the reason why you refused to sing?

Forming a complex sentence with an adverb clause

Connected by the subordinating conjunctions when, as, since, till, where, if, though, unless, that, lest, whether, whereas etc.

• I went there. The door was locked.
• When I went there the door was locked.
• There was little rain this year. The crops have dried up.
• As there was little rain this year the crops have dried up.
• He has expressed his regret. We will forget all about it.
• Since he has expressed his regret, we will forget all about it.
• You finish dressing. I will wait here.
• I will wait here until you finish dressing.
• There is heavy rainfall here. Grapes will not grow at such a place.
• Grapes will not grow where there is heavy rainfall.
• It may rain. Then the match will be cancelled.
• If it rains, the match will be cancelled.

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