Complex Sentence Practice

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

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

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

What role do subordinating conjunctions play in complex sentences?

Back

Subordinating conjunctions connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, indicating the relationship between the two.

Front

Can a subordinating conjunction appear in the middle of a sentence?

Back

Yes, a subordinating conjunction can appear in the middle of a sentence, and a comma is not required before it.

Front

When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, what punctuation is needed?

Back

When a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, a comma is required after the dependent clause.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in complex sentences?

Back

Commas are used in complex sentences to separate the independent clause from the dependent clause when the dependent clause comes first.

Front

Identify a common subordinating conjunction.

Back

Common subordinating conjunctions include 'although,' 'because,' 'since,' 'unless,' and 'while'.

Front

What is the effect of using a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence?

Back

Using a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence adds complexity and can provide context or background information.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with both independent and dependent clauses?

Back

If the dependent clause comes first, place a comma before the independent clause. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.