Complex Sentence

A complex sentence has:

one independent clause (I) one dependent clauses (D)

Independent Clause = I

• It is a sentence and can stand alone.• It has a subject and a verb

S V• I like pizza.

S V P• Kathy will be late for dinner. S V • The game is over.

Dependent Clause = D

• It is a group of words with a subject and verb, but it can’t stand alone.

• because he is funny• since the meeting is still going on• When one team scores

Put them together..

With words called

subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions

after even if since

although even though so that

as if than

as if in order that though

as long as just as unless

as soon as like until

as though once when

because provided whenever

before rather than while

Let’s find some subordinating conjunctions!

Winter is on the way whenever the birds fly south.

The kids ran because they didn’t want to miss the bus.

If I am late getting home, I will miss my favorite program.

Complex Sentence Formulas

I D

D,I

Sequencing Complex Sentences

Independent Clause First (no comma)

The teacher was late for school because her car ran out of gas.

Tom wanted to go swimming since it was so hot outside.

She will do well in the skating competition if she practices.

Sequencing Complex Sentences

Dependent Clause First (comma needed)

Because she ran out of gas, the teacher was late for school.

Since it was so hot outside, Tom wanted to go swimming.

If she practices, she will do well in the skating competition.

I stayed home because of the snow storm.

ID or D,I

When the train came into the station, I got on.

ID or D,I

The teacher canceled the test since so many kids were absent.

ID or D,I

Although I am tired, I still want to watch my program.

ID or D,I