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.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What role do subordinating conjunctions play in complex sentences?

Back

Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause with a dependent clause, indicating a relationship between the two.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

Front

List some common subordinating conjunctions.

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1G

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

Front

When should a comma be used in a complex sentence?

Back

A comma is used before the subordinating conjunction if the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

What is the purpose of using complex sentences in writing?

Back

Complex sentences allow writers to show relationships between ideas, add depth to their writing, and convey more information.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

Front

How does the placement of a subordinating conjunction affect comma usage?

Back

If the subordinating conjunction is at the beginning of the sentence, a comma is needed after the dependent clause; if it is in the middle, no comma is needed.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

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

Back

A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, while a complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B

Front

Provide an example of a complex sentence.

Back

Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.7.1B