Complex Sentences

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include 'because', 'while', 'since', and 'although'.

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Identify the subordinating conjunction in this sentence: 'While we ate dinner, no one looked at their phones.'

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The subordinating conjunction is 'while'.

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Is 'We ate ice cream.' a complex sentence?

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No, 'We ate ice cream.' is an independent clause.

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Is 'Since the birds were chirping.' a complex sentence?

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No, 'Since the birds were chirping.' is a dependent clause.

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What does it mean if a sentence is complex?

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It means the sentence has both an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

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Give an example of a complex sentence.

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'I am glad we went camping because it was so fun!'

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What is the role of a dependent clause in a sentence?

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A dependent clause adds information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone.