Complex sentences bring variety to your writing by combining independent... Show more
English68 views·Updated May 23, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns
A
Arzoe Saluja@arzoesaluja_student
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Relative Pronouns in Complex Sentences
Relative pronouns connect a dependent clause to a noun in a sentence, adding more information about that noun. The common relative pronouns are who, whom, whose, which, and that.
When you use a relative pronoun, it introduces a dependent clause that can't stand alone as a complete sentence. For example, in "Sam, who is funny, makes people laugh," the dependent clause "who is funny" adds detail about Sam but couldn't be a sentence by itself.
Relative pronouns work differently depending on what they're referring to. Use "who" and "whom" for people ("The girl who won the race"), "whose" shows possession ("The dog whose tail was wagging"), "which" for things ("The book which I read"), and "that" for either people or things.
Quick Tip: When identifying the dependent clause introduced by a relative pronoun, look for the complete thought that contains the pronoun and depends on the rest of the sentence for its meaning.
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Subordinating Conjunctions in Complex Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, showing relationships like time, cause, condition, or contrast between ideas. There are many subordinating conjunctions including because, since, when, although, and if.
Unlike relative pronouns, subordinating conjunctions often establish logical relationships. For example, in "Since you are feeling better, let's go downtown," the word "since" shows a cause-and-effect relationship between feeling better and going downtown.
You can identify a dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction by checking if it can stand alone as a complete sentence. If it can't, it's dependent! In "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," the clause "When life gives you lemons" is dependent because it needs more information to make complete sense.
Remember: The position of your subordinating conjunction can change the emphasis in your sentence. Starting with the dependent clause ("Because you are tall, you should try basketball") creates a different effect than putting it at the end.
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English68 views·Updated May 23, 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns
A
Arzoe Saluja@arzoesaluja_student
Complex sentences bring variety to your writing by combining independent and dependent clauses. Relative pronouns and subordinating conjunctions are the building blocks that help create these more sophisticated sentence structures, allowing you to express more complex thoughts clearly.
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Relative Pronouns in Complex Sentences
Relative pronouns connect a dependent clause to a noun in a sentence, adding more information about that noun. The common relative pronouns are who, whom, whose, which, and that.
When you use a relative pronoun, it introduces a dependent clause that can't stand alone as a complete sentence. For example, in "Sam, who is funny, makes people laugh," the dependent clause "who is funny" adds detail about Sam but couldn't be a sentence by itself.
Relative pronouns work differently depending on what they're referring to. Use "who" and "whom" for people ("The girl who won the race"), "whose" shows possession ("The dog whose tail was wagging"), "which" for things ("The book which I read"), and "that" for either people or things.
Quick Tip: When identifying the dependent clause introduced by a relative pronoun, look for the complete thought that contains the pronoun and depends on the rest of the sentence for its meaning.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Subordinating Conjunctions in Complex Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, showing relationships like time, cause, condition, or contrast between ideas. There are many subordinating conjunctions including because, since, when, although, and if.
Unlike relative pronouns, subordinating conjunctions often establish logical relationships. For example, in "Since you are feeling better, let's go downtown," the word "since" shows a cause-and-effect relationship between feeling better and going downtown.
You can identify a dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction by checking if it can stand alone as a complete sentence. If it can't, it's dependent! In "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," the clause "When life gives you lemons" is dependent because it needs more information to make complete sense.
Remember: The position of your subordinating conjunction can change the emphasis in your sentence. Starting with the dependent clause ("Because you are tall, you should try basketball") creates a different effect than putting it at the end.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar Content
Most popular content in English
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user