1. Complex Sentences

2. Complex Sentences
Two or more simple sentences combined with a subordinating conjunction.
SUB means lower or under
So one part of the sentence has lower importance.
In other words, one part can stand alone and the other part cannot.

3. Subordinating Conjunctions
Words like since, after, before, because, when, if, unless, until, while, and although are subordinating conjunctions.
The bell rang before I got to class.
I can’t pass unless I do my homework.

4. Clauses Each complex sentence has at least two parts:
the independent clause – (can stand alone)
the dependent clause – (cannot stand alone)
Mallory gets good grades because she studies.
Max was able to talk to the teacher before he left for the day.

5. The dependent clause can come first.
When it does, it needs a COMMA to separate it from the independent clause.
Because she studies, Mallory gets good grades.
Before he left for the day, Max was able to talk to the teacher.
*Notice that a Sentence can start with BECAUSE, but only if it is a complex sentence followed by an independent clause.