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 has a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause has a subject and a predicate but does not express a complete thought.

Front

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

Back

The independent clause is 'we went for a walk.'

Front

Identify the dependent clause in this sentence: 'Because she was tired, she went to bed early.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'Because she was tired.'

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause adds additional information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Give an example of a complex sentence.

Back

'When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.'

Front

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

Back

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

Front

Which of the following is a dependent clause: 'If it rains tomorrow'?

Back

Yes, 'If it rains tomorrow' is a dependent clause.

Front

What does it mean for a clause to be 'independent'?

Back

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.