Complex Sentence

U4L3A - Complex Sentences

Complex sentence: ​A ​complex​ sentence contains at least one ​independent​ clause and one  dependent​ clause. 

 

Independent Clauses express a ​complete​ thought and can stand by itself as a sentence. 

Dependent Clauses do not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone. A dependent  clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (ON A WHITE BUS). Dependent clauses require a  comma​ placed after them, if it ​starts​ the sentence. 

  Examples:

1. ​Because I forgot the time​,​ I missed the final exam​.

“Because I forgot the time” is not a complete sentence and begins with a subordinating

conjunction. This makes it dependent. “I missed the final exam” is a complete sentence and an

independent clause.

2. ​I checked my money​ ​before I invited Pedro for lunch​.

“I checked my money” ” is a complete sentence and an independent clause. “before I invited

Pedro for lunch” is not a complete sentence and begins with a subordinating conjunction. This makes

it dependent.

Practice: ​ ​Highlight the independent clause yellow ​and ​underline the dependent clause​. Use the side box of subordinating conjunctions to help you identify the dependent clauses.

1 point each.

1. When ice is on the road, drive more carefully.

2. When Jerry lost his temper, he also lost his job.

3. Although I practiced for three months, I failed my driving test.

4. While Aisha was eating breakfast, she began to feel sick.

5. Unless I’ve misunderstood the store clerk, the packet should arrive next

Thursday.

6. Jim wanted to go to the concert though he couldn’t get off work.

7. Alan dressed the turkey while his brother greased the roasting pan.

8. The plumber repaired the water heater in order that we can take showers

again.

9. Larry is a sleepwalker though he doesn’t realize it.

U4L3A - Complex Sentences

10. She wanted to practice her dance routine because she wanted it to be flawless.

Extended practice 1:​ Use the clauses below to create your own complex sentences. ​Highlight the subordinating conjunction yellow​. Remember, a comma goes after the dependent clause if it ​begins the sentence. 1 point each

Example: I obtained a credit card. I began spending money recklessly.

Complex sentence: ​When​ I obtained a credit card, I began spending money recklessly.

1. The instructor announced the quiz. The class groaned.

Complex: _______________________________________________________________________

2. Gene could not fit any more groceries into his cart. He decided to go to the checkout counter.

Complex: ________________________________________________________________________

3. Your car is not working. You should take it to Otto’s Repair Shop.

Complex: _______________________________________________________________________

4. I finished typing the paper. I proofread it carefully.

Complex: ________________________________________________________________________

5. The woodshed collapsed. I built the woodshed myself.

Complex: _______________________________________________________________________

Extended practice 2:​ Rewrite the following compound sentences as complex sentences. ​Highlight the now dependent clause in yellow​. 1 point each

Example: Compound: The hair dryer was not working right, so I returned it to the store.

Complex: ​Because the hair dryer was not working right​, I returned it to the store.

Example: Compound: My alarm didn't go off this morning, but I still made it to class on time.

Complex: I made it to class on time ​even though my alarm didn’t go off this morning.

1. Compound: The teacher turned on the large window fan, but the classroom remained hot.

Complex: ________________________________________________________________________

2. Compound: The fish tank broke, and guppies were flopping all over the carpet.

Complex: ________________________________________________________________________

3. Compound: You should go to a doctor, for your chest cold may get worse.

U4L3A - Complex Sentences

Complex: ________________________________________________________________________

4. Compound: I washed the sheets and towels, and I scrubbed the bathroom floor.

Complex: ________________________________________________________________________

5. I bought the power drill at half price, but it is missing.

Complex: ________________________________________________________________________