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What Is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
An independent clause (unlike a dependent clause) can stand alone as a sentence.
The essential ingredient in a complex sentence is the subordinate conjunction:
after
although
as
because
before
even if
even though
if
in order that
once
provided that
rather than
since
so that
than
that
though
unless
until
when
whenever
where
whereas
wherever
whether
while
why
Examples of Complex Sentences
Directions: 1) Underline the independent clause once. 2) Underline the dependent clause twice. 3) Circle the
subordinate conjunction.

Stay in the bath until the phone rings.

Both the cockroach and the bird would get along very well without us although the cockroach would
miss us most. (Joseph Wood Krutch, 1893-1970)

Leave while you can.
SOURCE: http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/complex_sentence.htm
Punctuating Complex Sentences Correctly
1) When the complex sentence (CX) begins with a dependent clause, the dependent clause must be followed
by a comma.
2) When the CX sentence begins with an independent clause and is followed by a dependent clause, no
comma is necessary.
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Complex Sentences: Day 2
1)
Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave.
2)
The man who sold my dad the car is shifty.
3)
The movie that I like a lot is out on DVD now.
4)
Though he was very rich, he was still very unhappy.
5)
She returned the computer after she noticed it was damaged.
6)
When the cost goes up, customers buy less clothing.
7)
As she was bright and ambitious, she became manager in no time.
8)
Wherever you go, you can always find beauty.
9)
The movie, though very long, was still very enjoyable.
10)
Evergreen trees are a symbol of fertility because they do not die in the winter.
11)
The actor was happy he got a part in a movie although the part was a small one.
12)
The museum was very interesting as I expected.
13)
Because he is rich, people make allowance for his idiosyncrasies.
14)
The professional who had been thoroughly trained was at a loss to explain.
15)
When she was younger, she believed in fairy tales.
16)
This is the exact spot where the atomic bomb was first tested.
17)
After the tornado hit the town, there was little left standing.
18)
The country where I grew up is located in South America.
19)
I have to save this coupon because I don’t have time to shop right now.
20)
Let’s go back to the restaurant where we had our first date.
21)
Although my cousin invited me, I chose not to go to the reunion.
22)
As genes change over time, evolution progresses.
23)
There are special dreams that will never die.
24)
I really didn’t like the play although the acting was very good.
25)
Everyone laughed when he got a cream pie smashed in his face.
26)
After twenty years, he still had feelings for her.
27)
Some people tell me that money can’t buy happiness.
28)
I always make friends quickly wherever I live.
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COMPLEX SENTENCES: DAY 3
1. John went to school today, but James remained at home.
A.Simple sentence
B.Compound Sentence
C.Complex Sentence
D.Compound-Complex Sentence
2. Since we had only gone a mile from camp, we decided to return before dark.
A.Simple sentence
B.Compound Sentence
C.Complex Sentence
D.Compound-Complex Sentence
3. After the tornado hit, my house was completed destroyed.
A.Simple sentence
B.Compound Sentence
C.Complex Sentence
D.Compound-Complex Sentence
4. During last night's game, the bases were loaded, and Bob hit a grand slam.
A.Simple sentence
B.Compound Sentence
C.Complex Sentence
D.Compound-Complex Sentence
5. If you distribute the ballots, I will count them.
A.Simple sentence
B.Compound Sentence
C.Complex Sentence
D.Compound-Complex Sentence
6. We decided to go fishing and camp out at the lake.
A.Simple sentence
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B.Compound Sentence
C.Complex Sentence
D.Compound-Complex Sentence
7. This summer our vacation should be both exciting and restful.
A.Simple sentence
B.Compound Sentence
C.Complex Sentence
D.Compound-Complex Sentence
8. Older television sets had tubes; the newest models, which take less space, are digital televisions.
A.Simple sentence
B.Compound Sentence
C.Complex Sentence
D.Compound-Complex Sentence
9. Barbara and Joanne whispered and giggled all night.
A.Simple sentence
B.Compound Sentence
C.Complex Sentence
D.Compound-Complex Sentence
10. Those clouds promise rain, so we should hurry up and leave before we get caught in a flash flood.
A.Simple sentence
B.Compound Sentence
C.Complex Sentence
D.Compound-Complex Sentence
SENTENCE STRUCTURE: RAGS TO RICHES
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