Complex sentences

20 words

1. 1

   By the time + clause, clausegrammar

   Indicates that one event had happened before another time or event.

   “By the time I arrived, the lecture had already started.”

2. 2

   Whether + clause (or not)grammar

   Introduces alternatives or uncertainty: whether ... or not.

   “I couldn't decide whether to accept the offer or not.”

3. 3

   So + adjective + that + clausegrammar

   Shows a strong result: so [adjective] that [result].

   “The lecture was so boring that half the class fell asleep.”

4. 4

   Even if + clause, clausegrammar

   Shows that something is true or will happen even in the hypothetical case described.

   “Even if it rains, we'll continue the game under shelter.”

5. 5

   Such + (a/an) + noun + that + clausegrammar

   Emphasises a noun, meaning 'so much of a [noun] that [result]'.

   “It was such a difficult question that few students answered it.”

6. 6

   If + past perfect, would have + past participlegrammar

   Talks about an unreal past condition and its imagined past result.

   “If I had known about the exam, I would have revised more.”

7. 7

   The more + clause, the more + clausecomplex sentence frame

   Shows a proportional relationship: as one thing increases, another also increases or changes.

   “The more you read, the more you improve your vocabulary.”

8. 8

   Despite / In spite of + noun / V-ing + , + clausecomplex sentence frame

   Expresses contrast ('in spite of / despite'); followed by a noun or -ing form, not a full clause.

   “Despite the bad weather, the festival went ahead as planned.”

9. 9

   Unless + clause, + clausecomplex sentence frame

   Means 'if not'; used to state a negative condition (alternative to 'if ... not').

   “You will miss the bus unless you leave now.”

10. 10

    Although + clause, clausestructure

    Used to show contrast between two clauses.

    “Although the weather was terrible, we still enjoyed the trip.”

11. 11

    No sooner + had + subject + past participle + than + clausecomplex sentence frame

    Shows that one event happened immediately before another; uses inversion (had before subject) and 'than' as connector.

    “No sooner had I finished the presentation than someone asked a difficult question.”

12. 12

    Hardly + had + subject + past participle + when + clausecomplex sentence frame

    Indicates one event happened immediately after another; uses inversion (had before subject) and 'when' as connector.

    “Hardly had I sat down when the phone started ringing.”

13. 13

    If + past simple, would + Vstructure

    Used to talk about unreal or unlikely present or future situations and their results.

    “If I had more free time, I would learn another language.”

14. 14

    Not only + ... but also + ...structure

    Used to emphasize that two related facts are true; often both elements are equally important.

    “Not only did she win the prize, but she also inspired her classmates.”

15. 15

    Rather than + V-ingcomplex sentence frame

    Expresses preference or choice: 'prefer ... to ...'; commonly followed by -ing or noun when the subject is shared.

    “She chose to complain, rather than accepting the unfair grade.”

16. 16

    It took me + time + to Vstructure

    Used to say how long someone needed to do something.

    “It took me three hours to finish the assignment.”

17. 17

    It wasn't until + time/point + that + clausestructure

    Used to emphasize that something happened only after a particular time or event.

    “It wasn't until I moved away that I realised how close we were.”

18. 18

    Having + past participle, + subject + Vstructure

    A perfect participle used to show that one action was completed before another; common in formal/written English.

    “Having finished the survey, the researchers analysed the responses.”

19. 19

    so that + clausegrammar

    A connector used to show purpose or result; followed by a clause (subject + verb), often with a modal.

    “I study late so that I can finish the assignment on time.”

20. 20

    as long as + clausegrammar

    A conditional connector meaning 'provided that' or 'on the condition that'; can also indicate duration in context.

    “You can use my laptop as long as you return it before dinner.”