Complex Sentences

CX

Standard*Transition Standard* ELACC7L1b: Chooses among

simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal differing relationships among ideas

ELACC8L2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

a. Use punctuation (comma)

Complex

A complex sentence is made from 1 independent clause and 1 or more dependent

clauses.1 ind + 1 dep= ComplexExamples: 1. Because it is raining, we will not go outside after

lunch. 2. I am not hungry since I had a big breakfast this

morning.

Remember

• Dependent Clauses will start with a subordinating conjunction (After, Although, As Long As, As, As if, Because, Before, Even though, If, Since, Unless, Until, When, Where, While, etc.)

• OR Dependent Clauses will start with a Relative Pronoun (Who, Whom, Whose, That, Which, Whatever, whichever, whoever, whomever)

Punctuation

• If the dependent clause comes last, do NOT add a comma

Example1. The ducklings played in the puddles after the

rain stopped.

Punctuation

• If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma between the clauses.

Example1. Since it is sunny, we should have a picnic!

Punctuation

• If the dependent clause interrupts the independent clause, surround it with commas

Example:My dog, which is a collie, always plays nicely

with little kids.

Simple vs. Compound vs. Complex

Simple:It is cold and rainy. Compound:It is cold, and it is also rainy. Complex:Because it is cold and rainy, we will stay inside.

HINT CHART!

Structure Independent Dependent

Simple 1 0

Compound 2 or more 0

Complex 1 1 or more

Tell whether each is simple, compound, or complex

1. When I was little, I played with toy trucks. 2. Some of the trucks were red, and some of

them were yellow. 3. The trucks had their own parking garage. 4. I hid the trucks because my sister liked to

take them. 5. I would clean up my trucks after I finished

playing with them.