Complex Sentences

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What is a complex sentence?

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

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb.

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What is a dependent clause?

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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.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include 'because', 'although', and 'when'.

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What does AAAWWUUBBIS stand for?

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AAAWWUUBBIS is an acronym for the subordinating conjunctions: After, Although, As, When, While, Until, Because, Before, If, Since.

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When do you use a comma in a complex sentence?

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A comma is used when a subordinating conjunction starts a sentence, separating the dependent clause from the independent clause.

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What is the purpose of a subordinating conjunction?

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The purpose of a subordinating conjunction is to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing the relationship between the two.

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Can a complex sentence have more than one dependent clause?

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Yes, a complex sentence can have multiple dependent clauses connected to the same independent clause.

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What is the difference between a coordinating conjunction and a subordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance (e.g., FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), while a subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause.

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Give an example of a complex sentence.

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