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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Identify the structure: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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This is a complex sentence because it has an independent clause ('we went for a walk') and a dependent clause ('Although it was raining').

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

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Example of a compound sentence?

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'I wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining.' This sentence has two independent clauses: 'I wanted to go for a walk' and 'it was raining.'

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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, such as 'although,' 'because,' 'if,' and 'when.'

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Identify the dependent clause: 'If you study hard, you will pass the test.'

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The dependent clause is 'If you study hard.' It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

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What is the purpose of a complex sentence?

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The purpose of a complex sentence is to show the relationship between ideas, often indicating cause, time, or condition.

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Identify the type of sentence: 'She loves to read, and he loves to write.'

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This is a compound sentence because it has two independent clauses joined by the conjunction 'and.'