Complex and Dependent Sentences

A(n) ________ clause can’t stand on its own as a sentence.

• independent
• dependent 

True or False: When a dependent clause comes at the start of a complex sentence, you need to put a comma after it.

• true
• false

How do you create a complex sentence?

•  by linking two dependent clauses
• by linking two independent clauses
• by linking an independent clause with a dependent clause
• by never adding commas to sentences

Which of the following is an independent clause?

• After the rain,
• Until the bus came.
• I don’t like snakes.
• While we waited,

Which of the following is a dependent clause?

• Because she was too young,
• Jesse climbed a mountain.
• The dog ran into the forest.
• I can speak Spanish.

What do subordinating conjunctions do?

• tell you when to pause in a sentence
• tell what the subject is doing
•  stand on their own as sentences
• link clauses

Which of the following is a complex sentence?

• It’s good to reduce, reuse and recycle.
• Pollution is bad for the environment.
• Even though it takes more time, we should recycle
• I would never throw trash on the ground.

Read the sentence, and choose the independent clause:
Niko won’t go to the dentist unless his dad goes with him.

• Niko won’t go to the dentist
• Unless his dad
• Unless his dad goes with him
• To the dentist

Read the sentence, and choose where a comma should go:
Since Mara stopped playing piano the house has been a lot quieter.

• after the word “Mara”
• after the word “piano”
• after the word “house”
• The sentence does not need a comma.

Which of these is a complex sentence that has the correct punctuation?

•  Suzanne didn’t believe in ghosts until she heard, a noise in the attic.
• Until she heard a noise in the attic Suzanne didn’t believe in ghosts.
• Until she heard a noise in the attic, Suzanne didn’t believe in ghosts.
• Suzanne didn’t believe in ghosts until, she heard a noise in the attic.