Complex Sentences

A(n) _____ clause CAN'T stand on its own as a sentence.

• independent

• dependent

True or False: When a dependent clause comes at the start of a complex sentence, you need to put a comma after it.

• True

• False

How do you create a complex sentence?

• by linking two dependent clauses

• by linking two independent clauses

• by linking an independent clause with a dependent clause

• by never adding commas to sentences

Which of the following is an INDEPENDENT clause?

• After the rain,

• Until the bus comes,

• I don't like snakes.

• While we waited,

Which of the following is a DEPENDENT clause?

• Because she was too young,

• Jesse climbed a mountain.

• into the forest

• I can speak Spanish.

What do subordinating conjunctions do?

• tell you when to pause in a sentence

• tell what the subject is doing

• stand on their own as sentences

• link clauses

Which of the following is a complex sentence?

• It's good to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

• Pollution is bad for the environment.

• Even though it takes more time, we should recycle.

• I would never throw trash on the ground.

Read the sentence, and choose the INDEPENDENT clause.

Niko won't go to the dentist unless his dad goes with him.

• Niko won't go to the dentist

• Unless his dad

• Unless his dad goes with him

• To the dentist

Read the sentence, and choose where a comma should be.

Since Mara stopped playing piano the house has been a lot quieter.

• after the word "Mara"

• after the word "piano"

• after the word "house"

• The sentence does not need a comma.

Which of these is a complex sentence that has the correct punctuation?

• Suzanne didn't believe in ghosts until she heard, a noise in the attic.

• Until she heard a noise in the attic Suzanne didn't believe in ghosts.

• Until she heard a noise in the attic, Suzanne didn't believe in ghosts.

• Suzanne didn't believe in ghosts until, she heard a noise in the attic.