Complex Sentences

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Front

What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What role do subordinating conjunctions play in complex sentences?

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Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and show the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.

Front

Can a complex sentence start with a dependent clause?

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Yes, a complex sentence can start with a dependent clause, and a comma is required after the dependent clause.

Front

What are some examples of subordinating conjunctions?

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Examples of subordinating conjunctions include 'although', 'because', 'since', 'unless', 'while', and 'when'.

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When is a comma required in a complex sentence?

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A comma is required when a dependent clause precedes an independent clause.

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What happens to the comma requirement when a dependent clause follows an independent clause?

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When a dependent clause follows an independent clause, a comma is not required.

Front

What is the difference between a simple sentence and a complex sentence?

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A simple sentence contains only one independent clause, while a complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

How can you identify a dependent clause in a sentence?

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A dependent clause can often be identified by the presence of a subordinating conjunction and the fact that it does not express a complete thought.