Ross
English 11AP
Grammar # 3
Day #1
Topic: Writing Complex Sentences – Identifying independent and dependent clauses
Now that we have reviewed how to properly write complete and compound sentences, it is time to learn
how to write a complex sentence. Like compound sentences, the use of complex sentences in your writing
makes your work more interesting for your reader.
A complex sentence is a sentence that begins with a dependent clause (an incomplete sentence) and
ends with an independent clause (a complete sentence). You use a comma to separate the dependent
clause from the independent clause.
The beauty of a complex sentence is that it allows you to control how the information in the sentence is
given to the reader. You can use it to start the sentence with power, to add information to a sentence, or
to set the reader up for an unexpected change or moment.
Example compound sentence: Even though she knew it was wrong, Gwenyth still used her
brother’s toothbrush to clean the toilet.

Independent clause – is a group of words with a subject and a predicate that can stand
alone as a complete sentence.
o

Example: Matthew swore that this time he would not run over his little brother
while babysitting.
 The subject is Matthew.
 The predicate is swore that this time he would not run over his little
sister while babysitting.
Dependent clause – is a group of words with a subject and a predicate that cannot
stand alone as a complete sentence.
o
Example: While he was waiting for his prison term to end.
 While this sentence does have a word (he) that could serve as a
subject and words (was waiting for his prison term to end) that could
serve as a predicate, the fact that it begins with the word while
prevents it from being a complete sentence.
 Notice that, when you hear this sentence spoken aloud, you are
naturally waiting for more information. While he was waiting for his
prison term to end, what happened?
 This desire for more information is a good indication that this
is not a complete sentence but is instead a dependent clause.
Part I – Write I if the group of words is an independent clause. Write D if the group of words is a
dependent clause.
1. Whenever Kyler receives a letter from Justin Bieber.
_______
2. Everyone encouraged Emma to tell Marnae the truth about dolphins. _______
3. Ryan refuses to apologize for cutting off Preetpal’s hair.
_______
4. If Tristan doesn’t cut the right wire on the bomb.
_______
Part II – Bring on the drama, Mama. Complex sentences are an interesting way to add a powerful opening
to a sentence. Notice how turning a regular sentence into a complex sentence can make it more powerful.
Example: Jeffrey will never go to a circus again because the clown’s head exploded
right in his face.
Example (Complex): Because the clown’s head exploded right in his face, Jeffrey will
never go to a circus again.
In the first sentence, the reader doesn’t grow interested until the second half. In the second sentence, the
reader’s attention is immediately captured.
For this section, write three exciting starts to three different complex sentences. Just write the
dependent clause; don’t finish the sentence.
Example: Despite the fact that I have killed a bear with my bare hands,
1.
2.
3.
Heading:
Bell Work Packet # 3
Day #2
Topic: Writing Complex Sentences – Words that indicate that a clause is dependent
Often, complex sentences begin with certain words that indicate immediately that the sentence will be
complex. These words often indicate time, place, cause, condition, or contrast.
Time
When
Whenever
While
Since
Before
After
Until
Once
Place
Where
Wherever
Cause
Because
Since
Now that
As
Due to
Condition
If
Unless
Contrast
Although
Even though
Despite
In spite of
Though
Part I – Turn the following simple sentences into a complex sentences by adding a dependent clause to
each. Remember to use a comma to properly punctuate your complex sentence.
Example: Uncle Bob went fishing every weekend.
Answer: Even though a shark ate his hand, Uncle Bob went fishing every weekend.
1.
Nina is never again allowed to babysit the neighbor’s poodle.
2.
Mom said that I could dye my hair green.
3.
There were only two Chihuahuas left alive.
4.
I still agreed to go out with him.
Part II – Checking complex sentences
If you are unsure if a sentence is a complex sentence, you can check it by moving the dependent clause to
the end of the independent clause. If the sentence still makes sense, it is a complex sentence. Remember,
if you do this, you need to remove the comma.
Example: Because it was made of wood, Pinocchio’s face caught on fire.
Check: Pinocchio’s face caught on fire because it was made of wood.
Part I – Check each of the following complex sentences by rewriting them with the independent clause
first. Remember to punctuate them correctly.
1.
Due to an accident at the pet store, my dog now has purple fur.
2.
Wherever she is now, I hope that Mandi is happy.
3.
Before getting in the car each morning, Jeremy checked his shoes for dog poop.
4.
Ever since he won Ms. Teen Arizona, Mr. Ross has been really egotistical.
Grammar # 3
Day #3
Topic: Writing Complex Sentences – Using complex sentences to manipulate your reader
Because you are in control of what information comes first, using complex sentences allows you to
manipulate your reader. You can use a complex sentence to set up an expectation and contradict it, to
emphasize one element of a sentence, or to show cause and effect.
Part II –For this section, you will write three complex sentences about yourself. Your sentences need to
show time, cause, and condition (see the list from day 2).
Example: As I sat outside of my poetry class on the first day of my senior year of college, the girl I would
soon marry walked up to me and introduced herself. (Time)
1.
2.
3.
Part III – Good writers manipulate sentence structure to add clarity, power, and elegance to their writing.
They purposely pick a type of sentence to fit a moment in a story. For this section (and all year in your bell
work), you will use complex sentences to continue the story of two people who are falling in love. Over
the course of the year, using different sentence types, you will write their story. You will determine if this
love story ends happily or in tears.
Write three complex sentences (showing time, cause, and condition) that continue Brian and Cara’s story.
Since we know that they will fall in love, try to convey the truth of the moment. At least one of your
sentences should use a conjunction of change (yet, but) to show the first real obstacle in their
relationship.
Example: While he walked away from the table, Cara ran to Brian and touched his shoulder. Now that
they were face to face, Cara had no idea what to say. Even though he was nervous enough to sweat
through the floor, Brian turned to her and said, “Look, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here’s my
number. Call me, maybe?”
1.
2.
3.
Bell Work Packet # 3
Day #4
Topic: Editing for sentence errors.
Part I – Read each of the following sentences. If the sentence is correctly punctuated, place a C next to
it. If it is not properly punctuated, add or remove the needed punctuation to make it correct. If the
sentence is not complete, make it complete. (NOTE – These sentences can contain multiple errors.)
1.
The boy that pulled Amber’s hair every day in fifth grade.
2.
Whenever Mariel sings a cappella birds gather overhead to listen to her angelic voice, and to
poop on the people standing nearby.
3.
Scott’s little brother Voldemort plays the violin, and is so talented that he was even selected to
perform a private concert for the Queen of England.
4.
Desiree swore at graduation that she would major in underwater basket weaving in college; so
everyone was shocked when she went to law school.
5.
Despite the fact that his voice sounds like a cat and a frog giving birth simultaneously in a blender
Mr. Ross tried out for Café Night.