English Grammar 101
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English Grammar English Grammar 101
T he Complex Sentence
Lesson 2-17
Prompt:An independent clause and a dependent clause may be joined together to form a complex sentence.
Example:Consider the following: "When I write complex sentences, I express more ideas." The dependent clause is underlined. Note that a dependent clause beginning a sentence is usually marked off by a comma. A dependent clause at the end of a sentence is usually not marked off by a comma.
Directions:Each of the sentences below is a complex sentence composed of one dependent clause and one independent clause. Click to select the dependent clause in each sentence.
1.Since dependent clauses may begin complex sentences, a comma usually separates the clause from the independent clause.
2.While a complex sentence has one or more dependent clauses, the sentence must have one or more independent clauses.
3.Because a complex sentence has an independent clause, the sentence is a complete sentence.
4.As if grammar were not difficult enough, I must now deal with complex sentences.
5.Since a simple sentence contains just one clause, a complex sentence has two or more clauses.
6.When phrases are part of a clause, the phrase serves within that particular clause.
7.Because I like to use adjectives, I write adjectives within each separate clause.
8.Although I enjoy writing dependent clauses beginning these complex sentences, I shall change the sentence pattern in the next sentence.
Note:Note the change of pattern in the following sentences with the dependent clause following the independent clause. Continue to click and select the dependent clause.
9.I have started this sentence with an independent clause because I want to show you a dependent clause following the independent clause.
10.Commas usually separate the dependent clause from the independent clause although this is not always necessary.
11.Dependent clauses serve as adjectives, adverbs, and nouns when they are part of the sentence.