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

Identify the components of a complex sentence.

Back

A complex sentence consists of an independent clause (a complete thought) and one or more dependent clauses (which cannot stand alone).

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship between them.

Front

List some common subordinating conjunctions.

Back

Common subordinating conjunctions include: although, because, since, unless, if, when, while.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Front

Give an example of a dependent clause.

Back

Example: 'Although I was tired' is a dependent clause.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

Give an example of an independent clause.

Back

Example: 'I went to the store.' is an independent clause.

Front

How do you punctuate a complex sentence?

Back

If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma before the independent clause. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.

Front

What is the purpose of a complex sentence?

Back

Complex sentences allow writers to show relationships between ideas, add detail, and create more sophisticated sentences.