Punctuating Complex Sentences

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

What are AAAWWUBBIS words?

Back

AAAWWUBBIS stands for 'Although, After, As, When, While, Until, Because, Before, If, Since' and refers to subordinating conjunctions that introduce dependent clauses.

Front

When should you use a comma in a complex sentence?

Back

You should use a comma after the dependent clause when it precedes the independent clause.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a complex sentence?

Back

The purpose of a comma in a complex sentence is to clarify the relationship between the clauses and to improve readability.

Front

Punctuate the following sentence: 'Although it was raining we decided to go for a walk.'

Back

Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.

Front

What is the rule for punctuating sentences that start with subordinating conjunctions?

Back

When a sentence begins with a subordinating conjunction, a comma is needed after the dependent clause.

Front

Punctuate the following sentence: 'Because I was tired I went to bed early.'

Back

Because I was tired, I went to bed early.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Front

Punctuate the following sentence: 'If you finish your homework you can go out to play.'

Back

If you finish your homework, you can go out to play.