Complex Sentences

Front

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.

Front

Identify the parts of a complex sentence.

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A complex sentence consists of an independent clause (which can stand alone) and a dependent clause (which cannot stand alone).

Front

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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Example of a complex sentence.

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"Although it was raining, we went for a walk."

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

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A dependent clause provides additional information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone.

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Identify the independent clause in the sentence: "Because I was tired, I went to bed early."

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The independent clause is "I went to bed early."

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Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: "When the sun sets, the sky turns orange."

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The dependent clause is "When the sun sets."

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What punctuation is used to separate the clauses in a complex sentence?

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A comma is often used to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause when the dependent clause comes first.

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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.