1. CLC Writing Strategies
Complex Sentences

2. Complex Sentences
A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. What is a independent clause? A group of words with a subject and a verb that can stand alone. What is a dependent clause? A group of words including a subject and a verb that cannot stand alone.

3. Complex Sentences
I like Sally because she is funny. Which part is the independent clause? Which part is the dependent clause? What is the verb and subject in each clause?

4. These relating words are called subordinating conjunctions.
Complex Sentences
The main difference between the two types of clauses is that the dependent clause starts with a word showing the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.
These relating words are called subordinating conjunctions.

5. Complex Sentences
Subordinating conjunctions are words that show the relationship of the dependent clause to the independent clause. After even if since Although even though so that as if than As if in order that though As long as just as unless As soon as like until As though once when Because provided whenever Before rather than while

6. Complex Sentences
You can sequence the clauses in complex sentences in two ways. You can make the dependent clause come before the independent clause. When I get to Phoenix, you will be sleeping. After the players practice, they went out for a pizza. Until the storm is over, we will not know about the damage. Identify the: Independent clause, the dependent clause, the subordinating conjunction, and the subjects and verbs. What do these three sentences have in common with regard to how the two clauses are joined?

7. Complex Sentences
In the second way of sequencing the clauses in a complex sentence, the dependent clause comes after the independent clause. You will be sleeping when I get to Phoenix. The players went out for a pizza after they practiced. We will not know about the damage until the storm is over. Identify the: Independent clause, the dependent clause, the subordinating conjunction, and the subjects and verbs. What is the difference about the way in which the clauses are joined in these three sentences compared to the way they are joined in the sentences where the dependent clause comes first?

8. Complex Sentences
In summary, a comma IS used when the dependent clause comes first. A comma is NOT used when the independent clause comes first.

9. Complex Sentences
Two formulas help us remember the two types of complex sentences. We use an I to represent independent clause and D to represent dependent clause. Since we always use a subordinating conjunction at the start of a dependent clause, the ‘D’ stands for a subordinating conjunct and the rest of the dependent clause.

10. Complex Sentences
Using the letters, “I” and “D,” what should the formula be when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause? D,I What is the formula when the dependent clause comes after the independent clause? ID

11. Complex Sentences
Can you think of an easy way to remember when the comma is needed? When the formula is ID, like an I.D. (identification), it’s fine like it is. When it’s backwards, DI, you need a comma in it.

12. Creating Formula Card Simple Sentences Compound Sentences S V I,cI
S VV
SS VV
Compound Sentences
I,cI
I;I
Complex Sentences
D,I ID