Master the Art of Writing Complex Sentences in English

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Complex Sentences
2. Importance of Using Complex Sentences in Writing
3. Preparing for English Writing Exams
4. Grammar Structures for Forming Complex Sentences 4.1. -ing Participle Clauses 4.1.1. Using -ing Participle Clauses to Show Simultaneous Actions 4.1.2. Using -ing Participle Clauses to Show Cause and Effect 4.1.3. Using Perfect -ing Form with 'Having' to Show Sequential Actions 4.2. -ed Participle Clauses 4.2.1. Using -ed Participle Clauses to Link Independent Clauses 4.2.2. Using -ed Participle Clauses to Replace Relative Clauses 4.3. Relative Clauses 4.3.1. Adding Information to Noun or Noun Phrase 4.3.2. Adding Information to Sentence or Idea
5. Emphasizing Ideas in Complex Sentences
6. Further Practice and Resources
7. Conclusion

Article:

Introduction to Complex Sentences

Welcome to Oxford Online English! In this lesson, we will explore the art of constructing complex sentences in English. By incorporating different forms of complex sentence structures, you can enhance your writing skills and make your written English more versatile and elegant. Creating various types of complex sentences is especially crucial if you are preparing for an English writing exam such as IELTS, TOEFL, or FCE.

Importance of Using Complex Sentences in Writing

Before we dive into the intricacies of complex sentences, let's understand why they play a vital role in your writing. Complex sentences offer a greater depth of expression. They allow you to convey complex ideas, exhibit your command over the language, and demonstrate your ability to structure your thoughts logically. Using a range of complex sentence structures can make your writing more engaging, persuasive, and sophisticated. However, it's essential to note that complex sentences alone cannot salvage weak or incoherent ideas. To reap the benefits of using complex sentence structures, your ideas must be complex, coherent, and well-articulated.

Preparing for English Writing Exams

If you're aiming to excel in English writing exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or FCE, mastering complex sentence structures becomes even more crucial. These exams assess not only your language proficiency but also your ability to convey ideas effectively in writing. Therefore, having a repertoire of sophisticated sentence structures will enable you to showcase your language skills and impress the examiners. In this lesson, we will focus on grammar structures for forming complex sentences without using conjunctions. If you're interested in learning about conjunctions for forming complex sentences, be sure to check out our video on linking words for IELTS writing, linked in the video description.

Grammar Structures for Forming Complex Sentences

Now, let's delve into the grammar structures that will enable you to craft complex sentences that captivate your readers. We will explore three types of structures: -ing participle clauses, -ed participle clauses, and relative clauses.

-ing Participle Clauses

Using -ing Participle Clauses to Show Simultaneous Actions

One way to construct a complex sentence is by using -ing participle clauses. These clauses allow you to connect two ideas that occur simultaneously or demonstrate cause and effect. For instance, you can use an -ing participle clause to express an idea that could also be conveyed using the conjunction "because." However, it's important to note that the -ing participle clause does not have a subject of its own. In sentences with two clauses, the -ing clause can only refer to the subject in the second clause. Be cautious not to construct sentences that lack clarity in terms of the subject.

Using Perfect -ing Form with 'Having' to Show Sequential Actions

Another way to employ -ing clauses is by utilizing the perfect -ing form with 'having,' followed by a past participle. This structure demonstrates that one action transpired before another. For example, you can say, "Having finished my homework, I went to bed." In this case, 'having finished my homework' highlights that finishing homework occurred prior to going to bed. To summarize, -ing participle clauses can be used in three ways: to demonstrate simultaneous actions, cause and effect, and sequential actions.

-ed Participle Clauses

Now, let's explore -ed participle clauses, an alternative structure for crafting complex sentences. These clauses can be employed when you have two clauses with the same subject, wherein one of the clauses contains a passive verb. Similar to -ing clauses, -ed participle clauses do not possess a subject within the participle clause. When constructing sentences using -ed participle clauses, ensure that the verb tense information from the main clause is not lost in the -ed clause. Here's an example: "The tulips, having been cultivated for years, finally bloomed beautifully." Although the verb tense of 'cultivated' is hidden in the -ed clause, the meaning remains intact.

Relative Clauses

Relative clauses offer great flexibility in constructing complex sentences, allowing you to add and combine ideas seamlessly. There are two main uses of relative clauses: adding information to a noun or noun phrase, and adding information to a sentence or idea.

Adding Information to a Noun or Noun Phrase

In the first case, you can use a relative clause to provide additional information about a specific noun or noun phrase. Placing the relative clause directly after the noun it refers to is crucial. For example, "Tulip mania, which occurred in Holland, captivated many during the 17th century." The relative clause "which occurred in Holland" further elucidates the noun phrase "tulip mania." Remember, the relative clause can only describe the noun that comes immediately before it. Avoid constructing sentences where the relative clause is separated from the noun or noun phrase it relates to.

Adding Information to a Sentence or Idea

The second way to employ relative clauses is to add information or explanation to an entire sentence or idea. When utilizing this structure, it's important to follow two rules: First, use 'which' as the relative pronoun. Second, ensure that the relative clause offers an explanation or an opinion related to the idea preceding it, rather than providing factual details. For instance, "This phenomenon, which was an economic bubble, eventually led to its demise." In this example, the relative clause explains the idea presented in the first clause.

Emphasizing Ideas in Complex Sentences

In addition to constructing complex sentences, it's essential to know how to emphasize specific ideas within your writing. One technique to achieve emphasis is by strategically placing important ideas at the beginning of a sentence. English grammar dictates that ideas positioned towards the beginning of a sentence carry more significance than those towards the end. To highlight an idea using this structure, you can use 'it' as a placeholder. For example, "It was in 1637 when the tulip market crashed." This sentence directs the reader's attention to the year 1637. Additionally, you can combine this structure with other techniques discussed in this lesson, such as adding a relative clause at the end of the sentence.

Further Practice and Resources

To reinforce your understanding and improve your ability to construct complex sentences, it's recommended to engage in further practice. A grammar book or online resources can provide exercises and in-depth chapters on -ing participle clauses, -ed participle clauses, relative clauses, and cleft sentences. 'Cleft sentences,' also known as 'focusing clauses,' offer an additional approach to constructing complex sentences and enhancing your writing. Additionally, dedicate time to regular writing practice, incorporating the techniques learned in this lesson. Seek feedback from qualified instructors or language professionals to ensure your writing remains clear, well-organized, and accurate.

At Oxford Online English, our team of professional teachers can offer personalized guidance to improve your English writing skills. We invite you to take advantage of our discounted trial lessons by visiting our website—look for the link under the video or click 'Get Started' on Oxford Online English dot com.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering complex sentence structures in English is crucial to enhance your writing skills and convey complex ideas effectively. By utilizing -ing participle clauses, -ed participle clauses, and relative clauses, you can weave intricate thoughts and create more sophisticated sentences. Remember to place emphasis strategically using techniques like the 'it' structure. Regular practice, coupled with quality feedback, along with the resources provided, will contribute significantly to your mastery of complex sentences. So, step into the world of complex sentences and elevate your writing to new heights.

Highlights:

• Learn how to construct complex sentences in English effectively
• Understand the importance of using complex sentences in writing
• Prepare for English writing exams by mastering complex sentence structures
• Explore grammar structures, such as -ing participle clauses, -ed participle clauses, and relative clauses
• Use -ing participle clauses to show simultaneous actions and cause and effect
• Utilize -ed participle clauses to link independent clauses and replace relative clauses
• Add information to nouns or noun phrases using relative clauses
• Enhance your sentences by adding information to a sentence or idea with relative clauses
• Emphasize important ideas by placing them at the beginning of a sentence using the 'it' structure
• Further practice and resources to improve your complex sentence construction
• Seek feedback from qualified instructors to improve your writing skills and ensure accuracy

FAQ:

Q: What are complex sentences? A: Complex sentences are sentences that consist of an independent clause (a complete thought) and one or more dependent clauses (incomplete thoughts). These clauses are combined using various structures such as conjunctions, participle clauses, and relative clauses.

Q: Why should I use complex sentences in my writing? A: Using complex sentences in your writing adds depth, variety, and sophistication to your language. Complex sentences allow you to express complex ideas and demonstrate your ability to structure your thoughts logically and fluently.

Q: How can complex sentences improve my writing in English exams? A: English exams often evaluate your ability to convey ideas effectively in writing. Incorporating complex sentences showcases your language skills and impresses examiners. By using a wide range of sentence structures, you can showcase your command over the language and elevate your writing style.

Q: Are there any resources to practice constructing complex sentences? A: Yes, you can refer to grammar books or online resources that provide exercises and detailed explanations on various complex sentence structures, such as -ing participle clauses, -ed participle clauses, relative clauses, and cleft sentences. These resources offer plenty of opportunities to practice and refine your skills.

Q: How can I ensure my writing remains clear and accurate when using complex sentences? A: Regular practice and seeking feedback from qualified instructors or language professionals can help you refine your writing skills. Their guidance will ensure your writing remains clear, well-organized, and accurate even when incorporating complex sentence structures.

Q: Can Oxford Online English teachers help me improve my English writing skills? A: Yes, the team of professional teachers at Oxford Online English offers personalized guidance to help you improve your English writing skills. They can provide valuable feedback, suggest improvements, and assist you in enhancing your overall writing ability. Try out our discounted trial lessons to experience personalized instruction.