1. I can haz correct commas pleez?
Comma Cats
I can haz correct commas pleez?

2. Complex sentences Complex = involving multiple parts
The parts of a complex sentence:
1. independent clause (IC) = a complete sentence
EX: Cats can be devilish
2. dependent clause (DC) = a piece of an idea, or fragment. NOT A COMPLETE THOUGHT
EX: while cute

3. commas = pause
You NEED commas to separate independent and dependent clauses in a complex sentence
There tends to be a slight pause where the IC bumps into the DC
EX: Cats, while cute, can be devilish.
 = IC  = DC
EX: While cute, cats can be devilish.

4. LISTEN!
All you have to do is listen for the slight pause and insert commas where you hear the pauses!!

5. Weeellllll…
…and make sure your sentence has at least one IC and one DC, of course. You have to do that, too. 

6. Contrast
How is a complex sentence different from a compound sentence?

7. Let’s do this! Is the idea expressed below an IC or a DC?
How do you know?

8. Let’s add a DC …the spy may be a dog
Feel free to interrupt the IC with the DC—just use commas to separate them
Example: I think there’s a spy, maybe even a DOG, among us.

9. parenthetical expression
another term for the DC is
PARENTHETICAL EXPRESSION
because the information separated with commas could also be contained in parentheses…get it? No, really. Get it?

10. Let’s see what both look like:
Please, for the love of God, stop posting.
Please (for the love of God) stop posting.

11. Now YOU try it.
Imitate the following sentence. Make sure you insert commas where your IC bumps into your DC.
Ms. Watts, a teacher at Cottonwood High School, is in desperate need of a Diet Pepsi.

12. another variation on the IC/DC:
IC = I’m on your stairs
DC = waiting to attack
In this case, the DC is added AFTER the IC, not in the middle of it…so only one comma is needed to separate them.

13. another example of the DC following the IC:
I can has your blood, with or without your permission!

14. This doesn’t concern you, pal.
yet another example:
This doesn’t concern you, pal.
Walk away.

15. Now YOU try it.
Imitate the following sentence. Make sure you insert a comma where your IC bumps into your DC.
You only get one more chance, like it or not.

16. introductory word or phrases
Sometimes the DC is used to set up or introduce the IC. Such introductory words or phrases BEGIN the sentence.
Example: While laughing at lolcats pictures, Ms. Watts choked on her lunch and died.

17. another example:
Because she loves you, teacher cat grades harsh.

18. one last example: Or, in more coherent “human” language:
If I had a middle finger, you’d be seeing it.

19. Now YOU try it!
Imitate the following sentence. Make sure you insert a comma where your IC bumps into your DC.
Although I love snow, I could do without the freezing temperatures.

20. Quiz time! What is a complex sentence?
Identify the DEPENDENT CLAUSE in each of the following sentences—the information that needs to be separated with commas.
Let’s DO this, nerds!

21. #2
Jordan Wynn the Utes’ quarterback injured his shoulder.

22. #3
If necessary call Serena for directions.

23. #4
When Mozart was six he was performing his music in the palaces of Europe.

24. #5
We tried hard. However we did not win.

25. #6
Our cat who recently had kittens drinks a pint of milk a day.

26. #7
We waited until the last moment hoping you would appear