Comma Lesson #9: Complex Sentences

Complex Sentence rule: A complex sentence includes an independent clause (could be a short sentence by itself) and a dependent clause (has a subject and a verb, but can’t be a short sentence by itself). In a complex sentence, if the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma after the dependent clause. A dependent clause frequently begins with a word like after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, or while.

Examples: If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids. Because we switched to Eastern Standard time, the sun goes down before 6pm. After the movie was over, we went out for ice cream. “When we were kids,” he said, “ we went swimming almost every day in the summer.” “While I was waiting for you, I texted your father to let him know we will be late,” said my mother.

Practice this skill: IXL 6th grade, JJ.2 Writing practice: Create a complex sentence that begins with the word before, unless, or until. Create a complex sentence that also contains three items in a series. Create a complex sentence of dialogue that ends with the speaker tag and contains an interrupter. Create a compound sentence of dialogue that is interrupted by the speaker tag and contains a place with city and state.