Types of Sentences Continued… Complex Sentences

 A complex sentence is one independent clause and one dependent clause.  A dependent clause can never stand alone.  Remember: An independent clause is like writing a simple sentence.

Complex Sentences  You can start a complex sentence two ways:  Order 1:  You can first write the independent clause and then the dependent clause.  Example:Jackie did her class work while she was in class.  Jackie did her class work is the independent clause in this sentence.  While is the subordinate conjunction. she is a pronoun, was is the verb. This is the dependent clause in this sentence.

Complex Sentences Cont’d OR  Order 2:  You can put the dependent clause, a comma, and then the independent clause.  Example:Since it is raining, I am wearing a jacket.  Since is the subordinate conjunction. It is a pronoun, is raining is the verb. This is the dependent clause in this sentence.  I am wearing a jacket is the independent clause in the sentence.  Notice how there is a comma after the dependent clause when it begins a sentences.

Complex Sentences  Subordinate conjunctions are the words used to begin dependent clauses.

Subordinate Conjunctions afterat whichif all of whichbecausein order that althoughbefore since aseven so as as ifeven if so that as long aseven though than ever sincehow though thatunless until whatwhatever when wheneverwherever where whetherwhichwhichever while who whom whosewhosoeverwhy whoeverwhomever

Complex Sentences  Even though that is a long list of words, there are still more. Those are the most commons words used to start dependent clauses.

Assignment-on a separate sheet of paper! You are to write 4 complex sentences. Start two of the sentences with the dependent clause and start two with the independent clause. Use four different subordinate conjunctions. Underline the IND CL once and the DEP CL twice in each sentence.

Compound Complex Sentences  If you can write a compound sentence and a complex sentence, you can write a compound complex sentence.

Compound Complex Sentences  A compound complex sentence is two independent clauses and one dependent clause.

Compound Complex Sentences  ORDER 1: INDEPENDENT, INDEPENDENT, DEPENDENT  Example: Michael should have studied for the test, but he watched television although he would fail.  Michael studied for the test is independent.  He watched TV. is independent.  Even though he didn’t learn anything is dependent.

Compound Complex Sentences  ORDER 2: DEPENDENT, INDEPENDENT, INDEPENDENT  EXAMPLE: As long as you need to, you should study the sentence types, or you will fail every assignment.  As long as you need to is dependent.  You should study the sentence types is independent.  You will fail every assignment is independent.  Remember to put a comma after the dependent clause at the beginning.

Compound Complex Sentences  ORDER 3: INDEPENDENT, DEPENDENT, INDEPENDENT  EXAMPLE: Chris knew he wanted to pass 9 th grade literature although his friends did not, so he studied every night.  Chris knew he wanted to pass 9 th grade literature is independent.  Although his friends didn’t is dependent.  He studied every night is independent.  If you put the dependent clause in the middle, you have to put a comma before writing the last independent clause.

Assignment Write four compound complex sentences. Use all three ways to write the sentence. Underline the DEP CL twice and the IND CL once.

If you still have questions on how to write sentences, please see me after school!