Complex Sentences

1. Complex Sentences ~A simple examination of all things complex

2. Complex Sentences • A complex sentence is a sentence that combines an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. • It combines these two clauses using a subordinating conjunction. • I D • D, I

3. Independent vs. Dependent • An independent clause can stand alone. It is a sentence. • Ex) My grandpa lives in North Carolina A dependent clause cannot stand alone. It needs to be paired with an independent clause in order to make sense. -Ex) After I leave work -Ex) After I leave work, I am going to pick up my child from day care.

4. Subordinating Conjunctions • The way to identify complex sentences is by recognizing subordinating conjunctions (dependent clauses). • So, let’s memorize them…

5. After Although As As if Because Before For If Than That In order that Since So that Though Unless Until When Where Whereas While Common Subordinating Conjunctions

6. Examples of Complex Sentences • Whenever I ride the bus, it always breaks down. • I don’t enjoy scary movies because I am easily scared. • After you cut the grass, you can take out the trash. • While I do enjoy Will Farrell as a comedian, I did not enjoy his latest movie.

7. Warm-Up • Directions- For the following complex sentences, underline the dependent clause and circle the subordinating conjunction. 1.) You may not have dessert until you finish your vegetables. 2.) Because Martha is sick, she may not play outside today. 3.) Since Tom was older than his brothers, they often looked to him for advice.

8. Warm-Up • Directions- For the following complex sentences, underline the dependent clause and circle the subordinating conjunction. 1.) The neighborhood children would work on their tree fort when they had spare time. 2.) Although she had a busy weekend planned, Tina helped her mom with the party. 3.) “As long as you are back before 10:00, you may go to the school dance.”

9. Warm-Up • Directions- For the following complex sentences, underline the dependent clause and circle the subordinating conjunction. 1.) Fred, who had long adored her from a distance, finally proposed as their canoe plunged over the waterfall. 2.) She married him because he looked just like her bulldog. 3.) Tom stayed on as project manager so that things would run smoothly.

10. Warm-Up • Directions: Label the sentence as either simple, compound, or complex. 1.) My Dad loves to watch James Bond movies, but my mom does not care for them. 2.) I go to Chick-Fil-A whenever I get the chance. 3.) “Would you rather go to American Eagle or Old Navy?”

11. Warm-Up • Directions: Label the sentence as either simple, compound, or complex. 1.) I plan to go to the gym today, unless my ankle is still swolen. 2.) Todd loves to surf whereas Jennifer loves to go mountain biking. 3.) Derek got a solid hit off the pitcher, yet still made it out at first base. 4.) Jen loves old movies; Jack would rather read.

12. Warm-Up Directions: Create three complex sentences of your own. Your Topic: Family vacation or The last concert I attended