Complex Sentences

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What is a complex sentence?

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

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb.

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What is a dependent clause?

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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.

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When do you use a comma in a complex sentence?

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A comma is used before the dependent clause if it comes after the independent clause. If the dependent clause comes first, a comma is used after it.

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Example of a complex sentence.

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"Although it was raining, we went for a walk."

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What is the purpose of a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause adds additional information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone.

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Identify the independent clause: "If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside."

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"We will stay inside."

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Identify the dependent clause: "Because I was tired, I went to bed early."

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"Because I was tired."

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What punctuation is used to separate clauses in a complex sentence?

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A comma is used to separate the independent clause from the dependent clause when the dependent clause comes first.

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Is this a complex sentence? "I like ice cream because it is sweet."

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Yes, it is a complex sentence because it has an independent clause and a dependent clause.