Complex Sentences

Complex Sentences

Building Sentence Fluency

Complex Sentences

• only one independent clause

• one or more dependent clauses

• joined by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun

• Example: Mary did her work in the library until it was closing time.

• On the following slides, complete each complex sentence using an appropriate subordinating conjuntion.

Multiple Choice

Terry told us about the incident ____ we had reached the place.

• where

• after

• because

• while

Multiple Choice

Ross took care of our garden ___ we were away.

• where

• unless

• while

• whether

Multiple Choice

I thought Kia is a rude person ____ I got to know her.

• until

• unless

• while

• whether

Multiple Choice

We waited at the airport ___ the flight took off.

• until

• unless

• while

• whether

Multiple Choice

Jake didn't play today ____ he had a toe injury.

• until

• unless

• because

• where

Multiple Choice

___ there is a will, there is a way.

• Until

• Unless

• While

• Where

Multiple Choice

___ you wish to join the club, please fill out this form.

• Until

• Unless

• If

• Although

Multiple Choice

____ you are very fit, you should not embark on mountaineering.

• Until

• Unless

• If

• Although

Identify Sentence Structures

• Simple = One Independent Clause

• Compound = Independent Clause + Comma + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause

• Complex = Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction & Dependent Clause

• Also Complex = Subordinating Conjunction & Dependent Clause + Comma + Independent Clause

Identifying Sentence Structures

On the following slides, identify if each of the given sentences is a simple, compound, or complex sentence.

Multiple Choice

I enjoyed the play, but I didn't like the end.

• simple

• compound

• complex

Multiple Choice

Jean was excited because her poem was greatly appreciated by all.

• simple

• compound

• complex

Multiple Choice

How fabulous our Christmas tree looks with all the decorations!

• simple

• compound

• complex

Multiple Choice

Will you please drop me at the community center?

• simple

• compound

• complex

Multiple Choice

Even if our team wins this match, we may not make it to the final.

• simple

• compound

• complex

Multiple Choice

Take the first right after 500 meters.

• simple

• compound

• complex

Multiple Choice

Dr. Mark prescribed some pills, and he told the patient to have a week's rest.

• simple

• compound

• complex

Multiple Choice

Dad met a man with whom he used to work.

• simple

• compound

• complex

Converting Sentences

• On the following slides, convert each sentence as directed.

• Example:

• Everyone was enthusiastic about the trip even though it was snowing heavily.

• Convert into a simple sentence using in spite of.

• You will write:

• Everyone was enthusiastic about the trip in spite of the heavy snow.

Open Ended

Although Helen had physical limitations, she overcame them to achieve success.

Convert into a compound sentence using but.

Helen has physical limitations, but she overcame them to achieve success.

Open Ended

Having seen the movie twice before, Jane changed the channel.

Convert into a complex sentence using because.

Jane changed the channel because she had seen the movie twice before.

Open Ended

Emma was excited because she would help her grandmother decorate the Easter eggs.

Convert into a compound sentence using for.

Emma was excited, for she would help her grandmother decorate Easter eggs.

Open Ended

John played the match even though his leg was injured.

Convert into a simple sentence using despite.

John played the match despite his leg injury.

Open Ended

I admire this author a lot.

Convert into a complex sentence using whom.

This is an author whom I admire a lot.

Complex Sentences

• One independent clause & one or more dependent clause(s)

• Use a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun

• Any questions?

Poll

How confident do you feel about your complex sentence skills?

• Absolute confidence

• Confidence

• Moderate confidence

• Shaky confidence

• None