Understanding 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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Identify the independent clause in this sentence: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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The independent clause is 'we went for a walk.'

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Identify the dependent clause in this sentence: 'When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.'

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The dependent clause is 'When the sun sets.'

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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 because it expresses a complete thought.

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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 because it does not express a complete thought.

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Choose the complex sentence: 'The cat slept on the mat.' or 'Because it was cold, the cat slept on the mat.'

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'Because it was cold, the cat slept on the mat.' is the complex sentence.

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What punctuation is often used to separate the independent and dependent clauses in a complex sentence?

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A comma is often used to separate the independent and dependent clauses.

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Identify the complex sentence: 'She likes ice cream.' or 'Although she likes ice cream, she is allergic to dairy.'

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'Although she likes ice cream, she is allergic to dairy.' is the complex sentence.

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

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The dependent clause adds additional information to the independent clause.

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Choose the complex sentence: 'He runs fast.' or 'If he runs fast, he will win the race.'

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'If he runs fast, he will win the race.' is the complex sentence.