Complex
Sentences
“To write well, express
yourself
like the common people,
but think like a wise man.”
Using a Complex
Sentence as a
Transitional Device
will add
Sentence Fluency,
Organization, and
Maturity to your
writing
PowerEd Plans
2014
Complex
Sentences
Complex Sentences
as
Transitional Devices
Complex Sentence Review
A subordinate clause begins with a
subordinating conjunction and is
followed by a subject and a verb.
Although Kayleigh broke her foot
because I didn’t go to bed
A subordinate clause
does NOT make sense by itself.
ANY sentence with a subordinate clause is a complex
sentence even if the subordinate clause comes after
the independent clause (complete sentence).
PowerEd Plans
2014
Complex
Sentences
“To write well, express
yourself
like the common people,
but think like a wise man.”
IMPORTANT:
You need to be able to recognize
subordinating conjunctions.
after
although
as
because
even though
until
before
unless
since
when
so that
while
Write On!
PowerEd Plans
2014
Complex
Sentences
Complex Sentences
as
Transitional Devices.
Instead of a transitional
complex sentence.
word,
use
a
When using a complex sentence as a
transitional
device,
make
sure
the
subordinate clause is at the beginning of the
sentence.
Using a complex sentence to move from
paragraph to paragraph adds maturity to
your writing.
Complex sentences can also replace a
justifier transition.
Use a combination of complex sentences
and transitions throughout your essay.
Complex
Sentences
Write
On!
Transition
Example of Complex
Sentences used as
Transitions
Main Idea
Because individual customers have a choice where to eat,
they are responsible for problems with obesity. People have
the ability to choose to go to Nami Japanese Restaurant and
eat fresh sushi, or they can cross the street, go to Pizza Hut,
and get a greasy pepperoni pizza. A majority of Americans
would choose to go get the pizza. For example, once I was
with a friend and his family after we had seen a movie, and
everyone was debating where to go eat. I chose to stay
neutral so that I didn’t get involved. At the end of it all,
Pizza Hut won the competition. When consumers have the
choice between healthy food choices and yummy fast food,
they are going to choose the food that tastes better.
Obviously, the consumers are responsible for problems with
obesity.
Justifier Transition
Justifier sentence
PowerEd Plans
2014
Complex
Sentences
Write
On!
Example of Complex
Sentences used as
Transitions
Main Idea
Transition
Because consumers decide not to go home and make
themselves a nice home cooked meal, they are at fault for
the problems of obesity. Around six out of ten children get
a nutrious meal from home, where they get to relax and
have dinner with their family. Parents are usually strict
about what their kids eat, up until the point when the kids
get annoying and naggy. After too much whining, parents
start to not care. Also, the parents might get into the
habit of eating fast food as well, then it becomes a regular
routine every day and that is how the problems begin.
Although individuals are more responsible for problems
with health and weight, this can be changed quite
easily with diet and exercise.
Justifier Transition
Justifier sentence
PowerEd Plans
2014
Complex
Sentences
Write
On!
Example of Complex
Sentences used as
Transitions
Main Idea
Transition
Since Reality TV is unpredictable, many people enjoy
watching it. One time my family and I were watching
American Idol. Suddenly, someone ran on stage and started
screaming. Everything was so hectic and crazy no one could
predict what would happen next. Also, many shows have the
audience help choose the winner such as in Dancing with the
Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and America’s Best
Dance Crew. Research shows that millions of people voted
for the last winner on American Idol. With so many people’s
opinions added up, no one can predict what will happen next.
Since Reality TV has no script, it leaves you wondering what
will happen next. Evidently, with Reality TV you can never
know what might occur next.
Justifier Transition
Justifier sentence
PowerEd Plans
2014
Complex
Sentences
Write
On!
Example of Complex
Sentences used as
Transitions
Main Idea
Transition
After a rough day at school, it is always fun to
watch the antics on Reality TV. “We’re not laughing at
you,” my granny always says, “we’re laughing with
you.” In other words, everyone enjoys laughing at
someone who has done something humorous. One
time my friend and I went to the local carnival.
Singing wasn’t one of her best talents, but she wasn’t
quite aware of that. We set her up for karaoke and
laughed the night away. We all know deep down we
love people being set-up in embarrassing situations.
Because everyone enjoys people making fools out of
themselves, Reality TV is a hit.
Justifier Transition
Justifier sentence
PowerEd Plans
2014