Commas in Complex Sentences

Commas in Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is made up of two parts:

1. Dependent Clause

2. Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

What change should be made to sentence #2?

• Delete the comma after it

• Change its to it’s

• Delete the comma after disgusting

• Change particular to particuler

Dependent Clause

• Has a subject

• Has a verb

• Does not make sense by itself

• Needs the independent clause to make sense

Independent Clause

• Has a subject

• Has a verb

• Makes complete sense by itself

• A simple sentence is an independent clause

Dependent Clause:

As I was walking home from school

After I finished my benchmark

While I was waiting for my sister

Until I was five years old

Before I went to bed

Independent Clause

I saw two dogs fighting in the alley.

I lay my head down on my desk.

I saw a red Lambouragini speed through the street.

I did not remember any of my birthdays.

I made sure that my backpack was at the front door.

Complex Sentence

• Can begin with the dependent clause or the independent clause

• If a complex sentence starts with a dependent clause, place a comma after the dependent clause (just like this sentence).

• A complex sentence does not need a comma when the dependent clause comes after the independent clause (just like this sentence).

Complex Sentence that Starts with the Dependent Clause:

As I was walking home from school, I saw two dogs fighting in the alley.

The dependent clause is in red.

Complex Sentence that begins with an Independent Clause

I lay my head down on my desk after I finished my benchmark.

The dependent clause is in red.

No comma in between when the dependent clause comes after the independent clause.

If you're having trouble with the comma placement, flip the sentence.

While I was waiting for my sister, I saw a red Lambouragini speed through the street.

I saw a red Lambouragini speed through the street while I was waiting for my sister,

Multiple Choice

Select the correct answer below.

• A

• B

• C

• D

Multiple Choice

Select the correct answer below.

• A

• B

• C

• D

Multiple Choice

Select the correct answer below.

• A

• B

• C

• D

Multiple Choice

Select the correct answer below.

• A

• B

• C

• D

Multiple Choice

Select the correct answer below.

• A

• B

• C

• D