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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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include 'because', 'when', 'although'.

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Identify the subordinating conjunction in this sentence: 'I will go to the park if it stops raining.'

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The subordinating conjunction is 'if'.

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What punctuation is needed in a complex sentence?

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A comma is often needed before the dependent clause if it comes at the beginning of the sentence.

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Example of a complex sentence: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.' What are the independent and dependent clauses?

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Independent clause: 'we went for a walk.' Dependent clause: 'Although it was raining'.

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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 and effect or contrast.

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True or False: A complex sentence can have more than one dependent clause.

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True.

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

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