Complex sentences

20 words

1. 1

   It + be + adjective + for + someone + to + Vgrammar

   Used to say that something is (difficult, easy, important...) for someone to do; the it‑structure delays the real subject (an infinitive clause).

   “It is difficult for me to concentrate when there is so much noise.”

2. 2

   Because + clausegrammar

   Shows the reason for something (Because + clause).

   “Because she missed the bus, she was late for the interview.”

3. 3

   Both ... and ...grammar

   Connects two equally important items; implies both are true and takes a plural verb.

   “Both students and teachers attended the seminar.”

4. 4

   If + present simple, will + Vgrammar

   Use this structure to talk about a possible future condition and its result.

   “If it rains tomorrow, I will cancel the picnic.”

5. 5

   Had + subject + past participle, clausegrammar

   Inverted third conditional: an alternative to 'If + past perfect' to talk about unreal past situations by putting 'Had' before the subject.

   “Had I known about the strike, I would have postponed the trip.”

6. 6

   In order to + Vgrammar

   Expresses purpose: in order to + base verb means 'so as to' or 'to' do something.

   “In order to improve my pronunciation, I listen to podcasts every day.”

7. 7

   Whereas + clausegrammar

   Introduces a contrast between two facts or situations.

   “I prefer studying in the morning, whereas my friend studies at night.”

8. 8

   Were + subject + to + Vgrammar

   A formal inverted conditional used for hypothetical or unlikely future situations: 'Were someone to do something, ...'.

   “Were the company to raise prices, customers would protest.”

9. 9

   As + clause, clausegrammar

   Used at the start of a sentence to mean 'because' or 'since'; explains a reason. Note: 'as' can also mean 'while' in other contexts.

   “As the survey covered mostly young adults, the results cannot be applied to older people.”

10. 10

    After + clause, clausegrammar

    Indicates that one action happened following another action.

    “After she had finished her degree, she moved abroad.”

11. 11

    Provided (that) / Providing (that) + clausegrammar

    Used to introduce a condition meaning 'as long as' or 'on condition that'; more formal than 'if'.

    “Provided that the data are accurate, we can proceed with the analysis.”

12. 12

    As well as + noun / V-inggrammar

    Adds an extra element; unlike 'and', the verb usually agrees with the main subject before 'as well as'.

    “The CEO, as well as the board members, supports the merger.”

13. 13

    As if / As though + clausegrammar

    Shows that something appears to be the case, sometimes unreal (use past/past perfect for hypothetical situations).

    “He speaks as if he knew everything.”

14. 14

    No matter + wh‑word + clause, clausegrammar

    Used to say 'whatever/however ...', showing that the result does not change despite different circumstances.

    “No matter how busy I am, I try to exercise three times a week.”

15. 15

    Only if + clause, clausegrammar

    Expresses a necessary condition: Y happens only when X happens.

    “You will pass the course only if you attend the lectures regularly.”

16. 16

    As + adjective + as + noun/clausegrammar

    Structure to express equality: X is as ADJ as Y.

    “She is as tall as her brother.”

17. 17

    In case + clausegrammar

    Used to say someone does something to be prepared for a possible future event.

    “Take an umbrella in case it rains.”

18. 18

    The reason why + clause + is that + clausegrammar

    Used to state the reason for something: 'the reason why X is that Y'.

    “The reason why many students fail is that they do not manage their time well.”

19. 19

    Either + clause/NP + or + clause/NPgrammar

    Use this structure to present two alternatives or possibilities (either... or...).

    “Either you finish the report today or you hand it in tomorrow morning.”

20. 20

    Seldom / Rarely + auxiliary + subject + Vgrammar

    Adverbs like 'seldom' or 'rarely' placed at the start of a sentence cause inversion of auxiliary and subject for emphasis.

    “Seldom have I seen such dedication.”