Complex Sentences

What is a complex sentence?

• A sentence with two independent clauses combined using a coordinating conjunction or semicolon

• A sentence with a dependent clause and an independent clause

• A sentence with one independent clause

• Two dependent clauses

What is a clause?

• a group of words with a complete subject and complete predicate

• a group of words that is always a fragment

• a group of words that always makes sense on its own as a sentence

• the guy in the red coat who goes down the chimney and leaves presents under the tree

What is a dependent clause?

• has a complete subject, has a complete predicate, and can stand alone as a sentence

• has a complete subject, has a complete predicate, but cannot stand alone as a sentence because of the subordinating conjunction at the beginning

• always the same thing as a sentence fragment

• another way of saying "subordinating conjunction"

What is an independent clause?

• has a complete subject, has a complete predicate, and can stand alone as a sentence

• has a complete subject, has a complete predicate, but cannot stand alone as a sentence because of the subordinating conjunction at the beginning

• the same thing as a compound sentence

• When Santa doesn't need help from the elves or reindeers

Which of the following is a complex sentence?

• We will watch Elf, or we will watch Home Alone.

• I want to watch Elf because it is funny.

• I love that movie!

• I want to watch Elf, but my friends don't want to.

Which of the following is a complex sentence?

• Since you are going to the store, can you pick up some peanut butter?

• I will get peanut butter when I go to the store, and I will pick up the rest of the groceries as well.

• Are you going to the store?

• We could go to the store tonight, or we could go later.

Which of the following complex sentences is punctuated correctly?

• When you get home can you take the chicken out of the freezer?

• When you get home, can you take the chicken out of the freezer?

• Can you take the chicken out of the freezer, when you get home?

• Can you take the chicken out of the freezer; when you get home?

Which of the following complex sentences is punctuated correctly?

• I want to read that book because the movie is coming out next month.

• I want to read that book, because the movie is coming out next month.

• Because the movie is coming out next month; I want to read that book

• Because the movie is coming out next month I want to read that book.

Which of the following complex sentences is punctuated correctly?

• Since you studied hard you earned an A.

• You earned an A, since you studied hard.

• Since you studied hard, you earned an A.

• Since you studied hard; you earned an A.

Which of the following complex sentences is punctuated correctly?

• Once the concert is over we are going to get dinner.

• Once the concert is over- we are going to get dinner.

• We are going to get dinner once the concert is over.

• We are going to get dinner, once the concert is over.