Basics of Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is made up of _____.

• one dependent clause

• one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses

• two independent clauses

• one independent clause

Find the complex sentence in the options provided.

• We visited the Grand Canyon and we took a horseback ride through the park.

• Vendors walk the stands selling popcorn and soda to the crowd.

• The USDA recommends that adolescents should eat about two cups of vegetables daily.

• My mom told me I could have a sleepover if I cleaned my room.

Find the independent clause in the following choices.

• So that I can do my homework

• Because the team made the playoffs

• When the bananas ripen

• New Hampshire has the shortest coastline of any state.

Find the complex sentence in the following options.

• Reading before bed is a good way to relax.

• A presidential term is four years.

• Key West, Florida, is the southernmost point in the continental United States and the island attracts many tourists annually.

• When we go to the movies, we always share a tub of popcorn.

Find the dependent clause in the following choices.

• Snowboarding was developed in the 1960s.

• Hot fudge sundaes are my favorite.

• Hoverboards can be dangerous toys.

• Because there is a full moon tonight

We ate ice cream.

• This is a dependent clause.

• This is a complex sentence.

• This is an independent clause.

• We is a subordinating conjunction in this sentence.

I am glad we went camping because it was so fun!

• This is a dependent clause.

• This is an independent clause.

• This is a complex sentence.

• This is a compound sentence.

We started a lemonade stand.

• This is a dependent clause.

• This is an independent clause.

• This is a complex sentence.

• We is a subordinating conjunction in this clause.

because it was hot

• This is an independent clause.

• This is a dependent clause.

• This is a complex sentence.

• This is a compound sentence.

an independent clause + dependent clause =

• complexe sentence

• compound sentence

• simple sentence

• narrative sentence