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.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it 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 because it does not express a complete thought.

Front

Can a dependent clause stand alone as a sentence?

Back

No, a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Front

Identify the dependent clause in this sentence: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'Although it was raining'.

Front

Identify the independent clause in this sentence: 'When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.'

Back

The independent clause is 'the sky turns orange.'

Front

What punctuation is often used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause?

Back

A comma is often used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause.

Front

What is the purpose of a dependent clause in a complex sentence?

Back

A dependent clause adds additional information to the independent clause.

Front

Give an example of a complex sentence.

Back

'Because I was tired, I went to bed early.'

Front

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

Back

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