ParaPro Assesment Practice Exam

What characterizes a complex sentence?

1. Multiple independent clauses

2. One independent clause and multiple dependent clauses

3. A single dependent clause only

4. A sentence with no clauses

The correct answer is: One independent clause and multiple dependent clauses

A complex sentence is characterized by the presence of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The independent clause can stand alone as a complete thought, while the dependent clause cannot. Instead, the dependent clause provides additional information or context related to the independent clause, often introduced by subordinating conjunctions like "because," "since," "when," or "although." This structure allows for the expression of more complex ideas and relationships between concepts within the sentence. In contrast, a sentence with multiple independent clauses would be classified as a compound sentence, which lacks the dependent clause that defines a complex sentence. A single dependent clause by itself does not constitute a complete sentence since it cannot stand alone. Lastly, a sentence with no clauses lacks the necessary elements to be defined as complex, as there are no independent or dependent clauses present. Thus, the defining feature of a complex sentence lies in its combination of an independent clause alongside one or multiple dependent clauses.