Sentence Imitation #2 Grammar Mini-lesson

Copy the Sentence “While they squeal and screech and bump into each other, I silently sack up my dead and withdraw to the woods” (Gardner 12). How is the sentence structured?

Copy the Rule The Complex Sentence A complex sentence has an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses called subordinate clauses. A complex sentence always has a subordinating conjunction such as because, since, after, although, or when or a relative pronoun such as that, who, or which.

Subordinating Conjunctions afterhowtill ( or 'til) althoughifunless asinasmuch until as ifin order thatwhen as long aslestwhenever as much asnow thatwhere as soon asprovided (that) wherever as thoughsincewhile becauseso that beforethan even ifthat even though though

Comma Rule Follow a subordinate clause with a comma when it appears at the beginning of a sentence. Do NOT use a comma when the subordinate clause appears at the end of a sentence. I silently sack up my dead and withdraw to the woods while they squeal and screech and bump into each other.

Just Use Your Ear! After I completed my homework, I watched a movie. I watched a movie after I completed my homework. Unless I make straight A’s, I cannot attend the concert. I cannot attend the concert unless I make straight A’s.

Imitate the Sentence “While they squeal and screech and bump into each other, I silently sack up my dead and withdraw to the woods” (Gardner 12). Write your own complex sentence using proper punctuation.

Revision Time Skim through Journal 1-9 and check for proper punctuation for both compound and complex sentences.