A complex sentence combines an independent clause with a dependent clause. It doesn’t really matter if you begin with the independent clause or the dependent clause. Both ways make a correct sentence. However, whichever clause you use first is usually the more important idea. Also remember that you only use a comma between the clauses when you begin the sentence with a subordinate clause.
Look at this complex sentence. We can write it two ways:
We have indoor recess because it it raining.
Because it is raining, we have indoor recess.
In the first sentence, the subtle emphasis is on the fact that we have indoor recess.
In the second sentence, the emphasis is on the fact that it is raining.
Here are more sentences. Watch how we can change the order of the clauses.
I bought a new car because my old car doesn’t work anymore..
Because my old car doesn’t work anymore, I bought a new car.
While I am at home, I will do some laundry.
I will do some laundry while I am at home.
Remember that you can change the order of the clauses in a complex sentence. Be sure to use a comma after the dependent clause when you begin with the dependent clause.
▶Now you try it. Here is a dependent clause. If you break that vase. Add an independent clause to make a complex sentence. If you begin the sentence with the subordinate clause, be sure to add a comma after the subordinate clause. That wasn’t too hard, was it?