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 a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, such as 'because', 'while', or 'since'.

Front

Identify the subordinating conjunction in this sentence: 'While we ate dinner, no one looked at their phones.'

Back

While

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

Example of a complex sentence: 'I am glad we went camping because it was so fun!' What type of sentence is this?

Back

This is a complex sentence.

Front

Is 'Since the birds were chirping' a complete sentence?

Back

No, it is a dependent clause.

Front

Is 'We ate ice cream' a complete sentence?

Back

Yes, it is an independent clause.

Front

What does the word 'because' do in a sentence?

Back

'Because' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause.

Front

Can a complex sentence have more than one dependent clause?

Back

Yes, a complex sentence can have multiple dependent clauses.