Complex Sentences - 6th Grade Grammar
Complex Sentences
An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.
Today I went to a movie with my sister, who loves action films.
We went to a theater where she often goes with her friends.
She heard about this movie from a friend whose brother loved it.
When I go to a movie with
friends, we usually choose something light and funny.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone and begins with a
subordinating conjunction, such as
after, although, as, before, because, if, since, until, when, where, and while.
Today I
went to a movie with my sister,
who loves action films.
We went
to a theater where she often goes with her friends.
She
heard about this movie from a friend whose brother loved it.
When I go to a movie with friends, we usually choose something light and funny.
<->
A complex sentence has an independent clause and one or more
dependent clauses.
We
drove west until we saw the mountains.
Although I like sports and snow, I have
never learned to ski.
My
scout troop is going skiing this December.
All the
scouts will take skiing lessons before we hit the big slopes.
We will
spend the night at Sugar Loaf Camp, which is near the ski hill.
Use a comma after dependent clauses at beginnings of
sentences.
As we
climbed higher, the temperature dropped.
Complex Sentences Quizizz Quiz
Each exercise begins with a sentence that, when joined with the correct answer choice, will result in a complex sentence. Choose the correct answer.
Hint: The correct answer will be a clause.
Hint: The correct answer will be a clause.
FAQs
What is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence is a type of sentence structure that combines one
independent clause with at least one dependent clause. The independent
clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while the dependent clause
cannot.
How Do You Identify a Complex Sentence?
To identify a complex sentence, look for a sentence that contains both a
main clause (which makes sense on its own) and a subordinate clause (which
depends on the main clause to make complete sense).
What are Examples of Complex Sentences?
Examples of complex sentences include: "Although she was tired, she
finished her homework," where "Although she was tired" is the dependent
clause, and "she finished her homework" is the independent clause.
Why are Complex Sentences Important in Writing?
Complex sentences are important in writing because they allow for more
nuanced and detailed expressions. They enable writers to connect ideas and
show relationships such as cause and effect, contrast, or conditions.
How Can You Combine Simple Sentences into a Complex Sentence?
You can combine simple sentences into a complex sentence by adding a
subordinating conjunction (like "because," "although," or "when") to one
of the sentences, turning it into a dependent clause.
What is the Difference Between a Complex Sentence and a Compound
Sentence?
A complex sentence contains an independent clause and at least one
dependent clause, while a compound sentence contains two or more
independent clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions like "and,"
"but," or "or."
Can a Complex Sentence Have More Than One Dependent Clause?
Yes, a complex sentence can have more than one dependent clause. For
example, "Because it was raining and since the temperature dropped, the
event was moved indoors."
How Do Punctuation Marks Work in Complex Sentences?
In complex sentences, punctuation marks like commas are often used to
separate the dependent clause from the independent clause, especially when
the dependent clause comes first.
What Are Some Common Mistakes When Writing Complex Sentences?
Common mistakes in writing complex sentences include comma splices, run-on
sentences, and incorrectly joining a dependent clause and an independent
clause without the proper conjunction or punctuation.
How Can Students Practice Writing Complex Sentences?
Students can practice writing complex sentences by combining simple
sentences using subordinating conjunctions, rewriting sentences to add
dependent clauses, and identifying complex sentences in reading materials.