Day 13 Complex Sentences (जटिल वाक्य) — Complete Guide

Day 13 Complex Sentences (जटिल वाक्य) — Complete Guide

A complex sentence is made up of:

• One Independent Clause (Main Clause) = a complete sentence
• One or more Dependent Clauses (Subordinate Clauses) = an incomplete idea that depends on the main clause

They are usually connected by subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, if, when, while, since, unless, before, after, until, etc.

Basic Structure

1. Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause

Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
म थाकेको थिएँ, त्यसैले/किनभने, म चाँडै सुत्न गएँ।

2. Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

I went to bed early because I was tired.
म चाँडै सुत्न गएँ किनभने म थाकेको थिएँ।

Important Comma Rule

• Dependent clause first → use a comma
• Although he was tired, he continued working.
• Dependent clause second → usually no comma
• He continued working although he was tired.

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Common Types of Complex Sentences

1. Reason — कारण

Common conjunctions:

because, since, as

1.      Because she studied hard, she passed the exam.
किनभने उनले मेहनत गरिन्, उनी परीक्षामा पास भइन्।

2.      I stayed at home because it was raining.
म घरमै बसेँ किनभने पानी परिरहेको थियो।

3.      Since he was tired, he went to bed early.
किनभने ऊ थाकेको थियो, ऊ चाँडै सुत्न गयो।

4.      As the weather was खराब, we cancelled the trip.
मौसम खराब भएकोले, हामीले यात्रा रद्द गर्यौं।

5.      We left early because we had a long journey ahead.
हामी चाँडै हिँड्यौं किनभने हामीसामु लामो यात्रा थियो।

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2. Contrast / Concession — विरोध / स्वीकार

Common conjunctions:

although, though, even though, even if

1.      Although he was tired, he continued working.
यद्यपि ऊ थाकेको थियो, उसले काम गर्न जारी राख्यो।

2.      She went out although it was raining.
पानी परिरहेको भए पनि उनी बाहिर गइन्।

3.      Though he is rich, he lives simply.
यद्यपि ऊ धनी छ, ऊ साधारण जीवन बिताउँछ।

4.      Even though she was angry, she remained quiet.
उनी रिसाएकी भए पनि, उनी शान्त रहिन्।

5.      Even if you apologize, she may not forgive you.
तिमीले माफी मागे पनि, उनले तिमीलाई माफ नगर्न सक्छिन्।

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3. Condition — शर्त

Common conjunctions:

if, unless, whether

1.      If it rains tomorrow, we will stay at home.
यदि भोलि पानी पर्यो भने, हामी घरमै बस्नेछौं।

2.      If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
यदि तिमी मेहनत गरेर पढ्छौ भने, तिमी परीक्षामा पास हुनेछौ।

3.      If I were rich, I would buy a big house.
यदि म धनी भएको भए, म ठूलो घर किन्थें।

4.      You will not pass unless you study hard.
तिमी मेहनत गरेर नपढेसम्म पास हुनेछैनौ।

5.      I don't know whether she will come.
मलाई थाहा छैन उनी आउँछिन् कि आउँदिनन्।

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4. Time — समय

Common conjunctions:

when, while, after, before, until, since, whenever

1.      When I arrived home, my mother was cooking.
जब म घर पुगें, मेरी आमा खाना पकाउँदै हुनुहुन्थ्यो।

2.      She was reading while I was watching TV.
उनी किताब पढ्दै थिइन् जबकि म टिभी हेर्दै थिएँ।

3.      After he finished his homework, he went out to play.
उसले गृहकार्य सकेपछि, ऊ खेल्न बाहिर गयो।

4.      Before you leave, please close the door.
तिमी जानुभन्दा पहिले, कृपया ढोका बन्द गर।

5.      Wait here until I come back.
म नफर्केसम्म यहाँ पर्ख।

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5. Purpose — उद्देश्य

Common conjunctions:

so that, in order that

1.      I woke up early so that I could catch the first bus.
म चाँडै उठें ताकि म पहिलो बस समात्न सकूँ।

2.      She studies hard so that she can get good marks.
उनी मेहनत गरेर पढ्छिन् ताकि उनले राम्रो अंक ल्याउन सकून्।

3.      He spoke loudly so that everyone could hear him.
उसले ठूलो स्वरमा बोल्यो ताकि सबैले उसलाई सुन्न सकून्।

4.      We left early so that we would not miss the flight.
हामी चाँडै हिँड्यौं ताकि हाम्रो उडान नछुटोस्।

5.      She saved money in order that she could buy a new phone.
उनले पैसा बचत गरिन् ताकि उनले नयाँ फोन किन्न सकून्।

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6. Manner / Comparison — ढङ्ग / तुलना

Common conjunctions:

as, as if, as though

1.      Please do as I told you.
कृपया मैले भनेजस्तै गर।

2.      She talks as if she knows everything.
उनी सबै कुरा थाहा भएजस्तो कुरा गर्छिन्।

3.      He behaves as though he were the boss.
ऊ आफू मालिक भएजस्तो व्यवहार गर्छ।

4.      Do it as I showed you.
मैले देखाएजस्तै गर।

5.      She looks as if she has seen a ghost.
उनी भूत देखेजस्तो देखिन्छिन्।

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7. Place — स्थान

Common conjunctions:

where, wherever

1.      This is the village where I was born.
यो त्यो गाउँ हो जहाँ म जन्मिएको थिएँ।

2.      You can sit wherever you like.
तिमीलाई जहाँ मन लाग्छ, त्यहाँ बस्न सक्छौ।

3.      I will go wherever you go.
तिमी जहाँ जान्छौ, म पनि त्यहीँ जान्छु।

4.      This is the school where my sister studies.
यो त्यो विद्यालय हो जहाँ मेरी बहिनी पढ्छिन्।

5.      Keep the book where you found it.
किताब जहाँ भेट्टाएका थियौ, त्यहीँ राख।

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Quick List of Important Subordinating Conjunctions

Conjunction	Nepali Meaning	Main Use
Because	किनभने	Reason
Since	किनभने / देखि	Reason / Time
As	किनभने / जसरी	Reason / Manner
Although	यद्यपि	Contrast
Though	भए पनि / यद्यपि	Contrast
Even though	भए तापनि	Strong contrast
If	यदि	Condition
Unless	जबसम्म...न	Negative condition
When	जब	Time
While	जबकि / जति बेला	Time / Contrast
Before	अघि	Time
After	पछि	Time
Until	जबसम्म	Time
So that	ताकि	Purpose
In order that	ताकि	Purpose
Whether	कि...कि	Choice
Whereas	जबकि	Contrast
Where	जहाँ	Place
Wherever	जहाँसुकै	Place
As if	जस्तो कि	Comparison
As though	जस्तो कि	Comparison

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Compound vs Complex Sentence

Feature	Compound Sentence	Complex Sentence
Clauses	Two independent clauses	One independent + one dependent clause
Connector	FANBOYS	Subordinating conjunction
Example	I was tired, so I slept.	Because I was tired, I slept.
Nepali	संयुक्त वाक्य	जटिल वाक्य

Easy Trick

• FANBOYS → Compound Sentence
• I was tired, so I slept.
• Because, Although, If, When, Unless, While, etc. → Complex Sentence
• Because I was tired, I slept.

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Golden Rule 🏆

A complex sentence has one main idea and at least one dependent idea.

Formula:

Dependent Clause + , + Main Clause

or

Main Clause + Dependent Clause

Final Exam Tip

When you see words such as because, although, if, when, while, unless, before, after, until, so that, first check whether one part of the sentence cannot stand alone. If yes, you are dealing with a complex sentence.

Example:

• Because I was tired ❌ — incomplete alone
• I went to bed early. ✅ — complete alone
• Because I was tired, I went to bed early. ✅ — Complex sentence

50 More Complex Sentence Examples

1. REASON — कारण

Because, Since, As

1.      Because I had an important meeting, I woke up early.
(मेरो महत्त्वपूर्ण बैठक भएकाले, म चाँडै उठें।)

2.      She stayed at home because she was feeling sick.
(उनी बिरामी महसुस गरिरहेकी थिइन्, त्यसैले उनी घरमै बसिन्।)

3.      Since the shop was closed, we went to another store.
(पसल बन्द भएकोले, हामी अर्को पसलमा गयौं।)

4.      As he had forgotten his wallet, I paid the bill.
(उसले आफ्नो पर्स बिर्सेकोले, मैले बिल तिरें।)

5.      Because the road was slippery, the driver drove slowly.
(सडक चिप्लो भएकोले, चालकले बिस्तारै गाडी चलायो।)

6.      Since you are busy, I will do the work myself.
(तिमी व्यस्त भएकोले, म आफैं काम गर्नेछु।)

7.      As it was getting dark, we decided to return home.
(अँध्यारो हुँदै गएकोले, हामीले घर फर्कने निर्णय गर्यौं।)

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2. CONTRAST / CONCESSION — विरोध / भए पनि

Although, Though, Even though, Even if

8.      Although he was tired, he continued studying.
(ऊ थाकेको भए पनि, उसले पढाइ जारी राख्यो।)

9.      She went to work although she was feeling unwell.
(उनी अस्वस्थ महसुस गरिरहेकी भए पनि, उनी काममा गइन्।)

10. Though the exam was difficult, I managed to pass it.
(परीक्षा कठिन भए पनि, म पास हुन सफल भएँ।)

11. Even though it was raining heavily, the children played outside.
(धेरै पानी परिरहेको भए पनि, बच्चाहरू बाहिर खेले।)

12. Although he is young, he is very responsible.
(ऊ जवान भए पनि, ऊ धेरै जिम्मेवार छ।)

13. Even if you disagree with me, I will respect your opinion.
(तिमी मसँग असहमत भए पनि, म तिम्रो विचारको सम्मान गर्नेछु।)

14. Though she had little experience, she performed very well.
(उनीसँग थोरै अनुभव भए पनि, उनले धेरै राम्रो प्रदर्शन गरिन्।)

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3. CONDITION — शर्त

If, Unless

15. If you work hard, you will achieve your goal.
(यदि तिमी मेहनत गर्छौ भने, तिमी आफ्नो लक्ष्य हासिल गर्नेछौ।)

16. If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
(यदि भोलि पानी पर्यो भने, हामी पिकनिक रद्द गर्नेछौं।)

17. You will improve your English if you practise every day.
(यदि तिमी हरेक दिन अभ्यास गर्छौ भने, तिम्रो अंग्रेजी सुधार हुनेछ।)

18. Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus.
(यदि तिमी छिटो गर्दैनौ भने, तिमीले बस छुटाउनेछौ।)

19. You cannot enter the building unless you show your identity card.
(तिमीले परिचयपत्र नदेखाएसम्म भवनमा प्रवेश गर्न सक्दैनौ।)

20. If I have enough money, I will buy a new laptop.
(यदि मसँग पर्याप्त पैसा भयो भने, म नयाँ ल्यापटप किन्नेछु।)

21. Unless we leave now, we will arrive late.
(यदि हामी अहिले नहिँडेसम्म, हामी ढिलो पुग्नेछौं।)

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4. TIME — समय

When, While, Before, After, Until, Since

22. When I reached the station, the train had already left.
(जब म स्टेशन पुगेँ, रेल पहिले नै गइसकेको थियो।)

23. When the teacher entered the classroom, the students became quiet.
(जब शिक्षक कक्षाकोठामा प्रवेश गर्नुभयो, विद्यार्थीहरू शान्त भए।)

24. While my mother was cooking, I cleaned the kitchen.
(मेरी आमा खाना पकाउँदै गर्दा, मैले भान्सा सफा गरें।)

25. While I was walking home, I met an old friend.
(म घरतिर हिँड्दै गर्दा, मैले एक पुरानो साथीलाई भेटें।)

26. Before you go to bed, brush your teeth.
(तिमी सुत्न जानुअघि दाँत माझ।)

27. After she finished her work, she went shopping.
(उनले आफ्नो काम सकेपछि, उनी किनमेल गर्न गइन्।)

28. I will wait here until you come back.
(तिमी फर्केर नआएसम्म, म यहाँ पर्खनेछु।)

29. He has lived in this city since he graduated from college.
(कलेजबाट स्नातक भएदेखि ऊ यस सहरमा बस्दै आएको छ।)

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5. PURPOSE — उद्देश्य

So that, In order that

30. I left home early so that I could catch the first bus.
(म चाँडै घरबाट निस्किएँ ताकि पहिलो बस समात्न सकूँ।)

31. She saved money so that she could buy a new computer.
(उनले पैसा बचत गरिन् ताकि नयाँ कम्प्युटर किन्न सकून्।)

32. He spoke slowly so that everyone could understand him.
(उसले बिस्तारै बोल्यो ताकि सबैले उसलाई बुझ्न सकून्।)

33. We arrived early in order that we could get good seats.
(हामी चाँडै पुग्यौं ताकि राम्रो सिट पाउन सकौं।)

34. She studies hard so that she can win a scholarship.
(उनी मेहनत गरेर पढ्छिन् ताकि छात्रवृत्ति जित्न सकून्।)

35. He carried an umbrella so that he would not get wet.
(ऊ भिज्न नपरोस् भनेर उसले छाता बोकेको थियो।)

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6. MANNER / COMPARISON — ढङ्ग / तुलना

As, As if, As though

37. Do the work as I explained to you.
(मैले तिमीलाई बताएजस्तै काम गर।)

38. She behaves as if she owns the company.
(उनी कम्पनी आफ्नै भएजस्तो व्यवहार गर्छिन्।)

39. He talks as though he knew everything.
(ऊ सबै कुरा थाहा भएजस्तो कुरा गर्छ।)

40. Please arrange the books as I showed you.
(मैले देखाएजस्तै किताबहरू मिलाऊ।)

41. The child cried as if he had been badly hurt.
(बच्चा नराम्ररी घाइते भएजस्तो गरी रोयो।)

42. She looked at me as though she had seen me before.
(उनले मलाई पहिले देखेकी जस्तो गरी हेरिन्।)

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7. PLACE — स्थान

Where, Wherever

43. This is the house where my grandfather was born.
(यो त्यो घर हो जहाँ मेरो हजुरबुबा जन्मनुभएको थियो।)

44. You can go wherever you want.
(तिमी जहाँ जान चाहन्छौ, त्यहाँ जान सक्छौ।)

45. I will meet you where we met last week.
(गत हप्ता हामी जहाँ भेटेका थियौं, म त्यहीँ तिमीलाई भेट्नेछु।)

46. She works at the hospital where her father once worked.
(उनी त्यही अस्पतालमा काम गर्छिन् जहाँ उनका बुबाले पहिले काम गर्नुहुन्थ्यो।)

47. Wherever he travels, he takes his camera with him.
(ऊ जहाँसुकै यात्रा गरे पनि, आफ्नो क्यामेरा साथमा लैजान्छ।)

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8. MIXED ADVANCED EXAMPLES — मिश्रित उन्नत उदाहरण

48. Although the road was difficult, we continued our journey because we had to reach the village before sunset.
(बाटो कठिन भए पनि, हामीले यात्रा जारी राख्यौं किनभने सूर्यास्त हुनुअघि गाउँ पुग्नुपर्ने थियो।)

49. If you manage your time properly, you can finish your work before you go to bed.
(यदि तिमीले आफ्नो समय उचित रूपमा व्यवस्थापन गर्यौ भने, सुत्नुअघि आफ्नो काम पूरा गर्न सक्छौ।)

50. When the students finished their examination, they left the classroom because they were eager to go home.
(जब विद्यार्थीहरूले परीक्षा सके, उनीहरू घर जान उत्सुक भएकाले कक्षाकोठाबाट बाहिरिए।)

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🏆 Quick Revision

Type	Common Subordinating Conjunctions	Main Meaning
Reason	because, since, as	कारण
Contrast	although, though, even though, even if	विरोध / भए पनि
Condition	if, unless	शर्त
Time	when, while, before, after, until, since	समय
Purpose	so that, in order that	उद्देश्य
Manner/Comparison	as, as if, as though	ढङ्ग / तुलना
Place	where, wherever	स्थान

⭐ Exam Strategy

Remember these simple clues:

• because / since / as → Reason (कारण)
• although / though / even though → Contrast (विरोध)
• if / unless → Condition (शर्त)
• when / while / before / after / until → Time (समय)
• so that / in order that → Purpose (उद्देश्य)
• as / as if / as though → Manner/Comparison (ढङ्ग/तुलना)
• where / wherever → Place (स्थान)

Basic Pattern

Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause

Although it was raining, we went outside.

Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

We went outside although it was raining.

Remember: A dependent clause cannot normally stand alone, while an independent clause can stand alone.

 

50 Complex Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences

50 complex fill-in-the-blank sentences with answer options in brackets.
The answers are listed at the end.

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Sentences

1.      Although she studied diligently, she ______ the final exam. (passed / failed / delayed)

2.      The committee rejected the proposal, ______ was expected. (as / which / that)

3.      If he had taken my advice, he ______ in such a mess now. (would not be / will not be / is not)

4.      The professor, together with his assistants, ______ working on the project since last year. (have been / has been / were)

5.      Neither the manager nor the employees ______ satisfied with the new policy. (is / are / was)

6.      ______ the heavy rain, the match continued without interruption. (Despite / Although / In spite)

7.      She spoke in such a low voice ______ nobody could hear her. (that / so / as)

8.      The book, ______ cover is torn, belongs to the library. (who / whose / which)

9.      Hardly had he entered the room ______ the phone started ringing. (when / than / then)

10. It is essential that every candidate ______ the form before the deadline. (submit / submits / submitted)

11. The scientist, after years of research, finally came up ______ a revolutionary theory. (with / to / for)

12. He is not only intelligent ______ also very hardworking. (but / yet / and)

13. The ancient ruins, which ______ discovered in 1990, attract thousands of tourists. (were / was / have)

14. You will be late ______ you leave immediately. (if / unless / until)

15. She was so exhausted ______ she fell asleep on the desk. (that / as / which)

16. The proposal sounds feasible, ______? (doesn't it / isn't it / wasn't it)

17. The man ______ stole my wallet has been arrested. (who / whom / which)

18. I wish I ______ more time to prepare for the presentation. (had / have / would have)

19. The new policy, ______ aims to reduce pollution, has been widely criticized. (which / that / who)

20. Scarcely had he sat down ______ the doorbell rang. (when / than / before)

21. She behaves as if she ______ the boss. (were / is / was)

22. The evidence, such as it ______, was enough to convict him. (was / were / is)

23. Not only ______ he fail the test, but he also lost his scholarship. (did / had / has)

24. The artist, along with his followers, ______ a new school of painting. (has founded / have founded / founded)

25. In case of fire, ______ the nearest exit. (use / to use / using)

26. He regretted ______ the opportunity to study abroad. (missing / to miss / missed)

27. The manager insisted that the report ______ by Friday. (be submitted / is submitted / was submitted)

28. The more you practice, ______ you will become. (better / the better / best)

29. She is one of the few people ______ I can trust completely. (whom / who / which)

30. By the time we arrive, the meeting ______ already started. (will have / has / had)

31. The experiment, ______ was conducted under strict conditions, yielded surprising results. (which / that / what)

32. I would rather you ______ here yesterday. (had been / were / have been)

33. The CEO, as well as the board members, ______ responsible for the decision. (is / are / have)

34. ______ the difficulty, she managed to complete the task. (Despite / Although / Even though)

35. He has been working here ______ he graduated from university. (since / for / during)

36. The new law prohibits ______ in public buildings. (smoking / to smoke / smoke)

37. She is the only candidate ______ is qualified for the position. (who / that / which)

38. If I ______ the truth, I would have told you. (had known / knew / have known)

39. The atmosphere in the room was so tense ______ no one dared to speak. (that / as / which)

40. He prefers reading books ______ watching movies. (to / over / than)

41. The contract, ______ terms were negotiable, was signed yesterday. (whose / which / that)

42. No sooner had she left ______ it started raining. (than / when / then)

43. The hypothesis, however plausible, ______ proved incorrect. (was / were / has)

44. It is high time the government ______ measures to curb inflation. (took / takes / had taken)

45. The documentary explores the question of ______ we can truly achieve artificial intelligence. (whether / if / that)

46. Such an act ______ not be tolerated under any circumstances. (should / will / may)

47. The teacher, along with all the students, ______ excited about the trip. (is / are / were)

48. Had she known the answer, she ______ responded immediately. (would have / will have / has)

49. The process, no matter how complex, ______ be simplified. (can / must / might)

50. He left the room in such a hurry ______ he forgot his keys. (that / as / which)

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Answer Key

1.      failed

2.      as

3.      would not be

4.      has been

5.      are

6.      Despite

7.      that

8.      whose

9.      when

10. submit

11. with

12. but

13. were

14. unless

15. that

16. doesn't it

17. who

18. had

19. which

20. when

21. were

22. was

23. did

24. has founded

25. use

26. missing

27. be submitted

28. the better

29. whom

30. will have

31. which

32. had been

33. is

34. Despite

35. since

36. smoking

37. who

38. had known

39. that

40. to

41. whose

42. than

43. was

44. took

45. whether

46. should

47. is

48. would have

49. can

50. that