1. Complex Sentences

2.  A complex sentence is an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses.  It always has a subordinating conjunction such as because, since, after, although, or when. LET’S PRACTICE THE SONG!

3. The fluorescent lights flickered because a great storm was coming. Example

5.  When the subordinating conjunction is in the BEGINNING, you need a comma after the dependent clause. EXAMPLE: When When Bunny shreds my sheets into little bits, I become angry.

6. IF THE DEPENDENT CLAUSE IS FIRST, The dependent clause is like a baby trying to get ahead of his parent (the independent clause), and the comma (leash) is yanking him back! Dependent Independent EXAMPLE As the baby runs ahead, the parent panics a little. Dependent Independent

7.  When the subordinate conjunction is in the MIDDLE, you do NOT need a comma after the independent clause. EXAMPLE: when I become angry when Bunny shreds my sheets into little bits.

8. IF THE INDEPENDENT IS FIRST, IF THE INDEPENDENT IS FIRST, the parent is right next to the baby, and the baby is not trying to get ahead, so they don’t need the comma (leash). EXAMPLE The mother is so calm when her baby walks with her. Independent Dependent Independent Dependent

12. , and My family celebrates Thanksgiving, and we eat turkey every year. Since, Since my family celebrates Thanksgiving, we eat turkey every year.