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.

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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', 'while', 'although'.

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

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'While' is the subordinating conjunction.

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

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No, it is a dependent clause.

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Is 'We ate ice cream' a complex sentence?

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No, it is an independent clause.

Front

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

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'Because' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a reason.

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Can a complex sentence stand alone?

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No, a complex sentence cannot stand alone because it contains a dependent clause.

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

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A dependent clause adds additional information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone.