writing complex sentences

Complex sentences have 1 dependent clause and 1 independent clause.

If the dependent clause comes first, a comma is needed between the two clauses.

A comma is not needed if the dependent clause comes second.

Complex Sentences

Compound sentences are 2 independent clauses joined by a comma and coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) OR a semi-colon (;)

Mrs. Burks got a burrito, and Ms. Nunez got a bag of chips.

The burrito was okay; the chips were delicious.

Compound Sentences

Complex Sentence

• a sentence containing an independent clause and one or more clauses that cannot stand on its own.

• "I got some popcorn before I saw the movie," is an example of a complex sentence.

  
  

More Rules To Dependent Clauses

• Sometimes, a dependent clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction comes before the independent clause in a sentence, or "at the start of the sentence." When that happens, put a comma after it to separate it from the independent clause.

  
  

• Other times, a dependent clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction comes after the independent clause, or "at the end of the sentence." When that happens, you don’t need a comma to separate it.

Complex sentences

• at least 1 independent clause + at least 1 dependent clause: Choco gained weight. Because he loves chicken.

• dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but it starts with an AWUBIS

• AWUBIS DEP + COMMA + IND. --> Because he loves chicken, Choco gained weight.

• IND AWUBIS DEP. --> Choco gained weight because he loves chicken.

​​*AWUBIS: Although, While, When, Unless, Because, If, Since

Complex sentences

To make a complex sentence you have to write

an independent clause, a subordinating conjunction, and 1 ore more dependent clause

Can be in any order

note: it doesn't need a comma unless the dependent clause comes first.

Subordinating conjunction

you can memorize subordinating conjunctions by "I SAW A WABUB"

I is for: if

S is for: since

A is for: as

W is for: when

A is for: although

W is for: while

A is for: after

B is for: before

U is for: until

B is for: because

Examples of complex sentences

• I took a full mark because I studied hard.

• Before I go to school, I eat breakfast.

Be careful though!

You need to choose a conjunction that best fits the sentence and makes it easy to understand.

The burrito was okay, and it gave me terrible gas. (This doesn't make sense because something okay doesn't normally do something bad.)

The burrito was okay, but it gave me terrible gas. (This is better because "but" means there was an exception.)