Complex Sentence Practice

What IS a complex sentence?

• A sentence that does not literally mean what it says.

• Two independent sentences placed together with a comma and a FANBOY

• An independent sentence and a dependent sentence placed together with an AWUBIS

• A comparison between two unalike things.

Answer explanation

Great! Remember that a complex sentence is like an adult sentence helping a baby sentence.

Which of the following is a DEPENDENT clause (sentence)?

• Before Alondra shows up.

• I think we can all trust Trenton.

• Blakely is the fastest girl in class.

• There is a happy frog named Josiah.

Answer explanation

A dependent clause cannot be a sentence by itself. Like a baby!

Which of the following is an INDEPENDENT clause (sentence)?

• After I give this potato to Cesar

• Until Emma gets here.

• Alexandra opened a can of beans.

• While Hailey digs up the yard.

Answer explanation

An independent clause or sentence can be a sentence all by itself. Like an adult!

Which of the following is a complex sentence?

• The janitor is kind.

• I wanted to relax, so I locked myself in my room.

• Since Alex is passing math, he gets a free pizza dinner.

• It was like an earthquake inside a snowglobe.

Answer explanation

Since is the AWUBIS word. There's a comma because the dependent sentence came first.

Which of the following is a complex sentence?

• Jayden can stay at my house as long as he tells his mom first.

• Vicky yelled at her coach, and Evan couldn't believe it.

• Kevin and Jillian like to practice karate.

• Jose was as tall as a skyscraper.

Answer explanation

"as long as" is the AWUBIS here!

"After practice, we get dinner at Red Lobster."

After is the AWUBIS word. Should there be a comma?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Yes. When the AWUBIS is at the beginning, there needs to be a comma to separate the independent from the dependent.

"Malaki wanted a new toy because he saw it on television."

Because is the AWUBIS. Does this sentence need a comma?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Yep! When the AWUBIS is in the middle of the sentence, you don't need a comma.

A complex sentence is an independent sentence and a dependent sentence placed together with a...

Which of the following words is NOT an AWUBIS

• So that

• As if

• So

• Before

Select 2 sentences that are complex:

• Because Dane brought an elephant to school, Emily tried to bring her hamster.

• Sebastian's favorite teacher is Mr. Garcia.

• Whereas Rachel wore orange

• Kassiya wanted to play basketball while Parker did his homework.

Answer explanation

You're so smart! Love that for you.