Complex Sentences
Today we will differentiate1 between
independent and dependent clauses.
1
Differentiate- to perceive the difference
Complex Sentences
• Complex sentences contain clauses1.
1
A clause is a group of words that contains
both a subject and a verb.
There are two types of clauses:
– An independent clause can stand alone as a
sentence. Marianne got an award.
– A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a
sentence: because she won first place.
Complex Sentences
• A dependent clause often begins with a
connecting word such as before, when,
or because. These connecting words are
often called conjunctions.
Examples:
– since I was eight years old
– because I didn’t want to be late
– as soon as I get home
Conjunctions
• Conjunctions connect two clauses in a sentence.
• Some conjunctions tell where, when, why, how,
or under what condition.
Conjunctions:
where
when
why how
although
because before
as
as if
if
after
since
as soon as
unless
as though
Independent vs. Dependent
Clauses
–
–
An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.
Marianne got an award.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence:
because she won first place.
Steps:
1. Read the text.
2. Look for conjunctions that indicate a dependent
clause.
3. Look for a subject and a verb which indicates an
independent clause.
4. Decide if the clause is independent or dependent.
Identify independent or dependent clauses by
writing and i or a d next to it :
1) The night became very dark.
2) When a cloud hid the moon.
3) Gracie reads books about the moon.
4) As soon as she comes home.
5) People weigh less on the moon.
6) Because gravity is weaker there.
7) I’ve studied stars and planets.
8) Since I was eight years old.
Identify independent or dependent clauses by
writing and i or a d next to it:
1) It was raining yesterday.
2) After it started raining.
3) I was really hungry.
4) When I got home.
5) I hope I don’t get sick.
6) Since it is getting colder.
7) I can’t wait to read my book.
8) Because it is really interesting.
Closure
•
•
•
•
What is an independent clause?
What is a dependent clause?
Name two conjunctions.
Which type of clause often starts with a
conjunction?
Complex Sentences
• Today we will identify independent and
dependent clauses in complex sentences
and punctuate accordingly.
Complex sentences
• A complex sentence includes an
independent clause1 and one or more
dependent clauses2.
1 An
independent clause can stand alone as
a sentence. Marianne got an award.
2A dependent clause cannot stand alone as
a sentence: because she won first place.
Punctuation and Complex
Sentences
• When a dependent clause begins a
sentence, it is usually followed by a
comma: After I heard the alarm, I got up.
• When an independent clause begins a
sentence, it usually is not followed by a
comma: Henry tried to get an autograph
after the concert ended.
Combine each pair of sentence using the given
conjunction. Write a comma when needed:
1) The night became very dark. A cloud hid the moon. (when)
2) (as soon as) She comes home. Gracie reads books about the
moon.
3) People weigh less on the moon. Gravity is weaker there.
(because.)
4) (since) I was eight years old. I’ve studied stars and planets.
Draw a line between the independent and dependent
clauses. Write an i or a d underneath each clause
according to the type.
1) The night became very dark when a cloud hid the moon.
2) As soon as she comes home, Gracie reads books about the
moon.
3) People weigh less on the moon because gravity is weaker
there.
4) Since I was eight years old, I’ve studied stars and planets.
Combine each pair of sentence using the given
conjunction. Write a comma when needed:
1) (as) The astronaut eats his meal. He floats around in the
rocket.
2) (after) Light leaves a star. It takes thousands of years to reach
Earth.
3) (while) Eat some freeze dried snacks. You work at the
computer.
4) (where) He goes to the library. He reads books about space.
Complex Sentences
Draw a line between the independent and dependent
clauses. Write an i or a d underneath each clause
according to the type.
1) The astronaut eats his meal as he floats around in the rocket.
2) After light leaves a star, it takes thousands of years to reach
Earth.
3) Eat some freeze dried snacks while you work at the computer.
4) He goes to the library where he reads books about space.
Closure
1) What is a complex sentence?
2) How do you usually punctuate a
sentence that starts with a dependent
clause?
3) How do you usually punctuate a
sentence that starts with an independent
clause?