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Complex Sentences

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A COMPLEX sentence contains an independent clause (a complete thought) and a dependant clause (an incomplete thought).

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Example: John went to the shop because he was hungry.

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Highlight the independent clause in blue and the dependent clause in red .

  1. - While he ate his lunch, he read the newspaper.
  2. - The ocean was warm although it was winter.
  3. - Joe realised that the train was late while he waited at the train station.
  4. - After I came home I made dinner.
  5. - I want to spend some money but not mine.
  6. - Although he was cold, Mr Burt did not shiver.
  7. - When I grow up, I want to be a fireman.
  8. - Many people watched the parade even though it was raining.

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Punctuating complex sentences

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If the sentence starts with a dependant clause, use a comma between the clauses.

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E.g If you come to my house, you can play my Xbox.

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If the sentence starts with an independent clause, do not use a comma.

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E.g You can play on my Xbox if you come to my house.

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Watch the video on the next slide to learn more

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Highlight the independent clause in blue and the dependent clause in red

  • I went to the shops for some bananas.
  • John came to school to learn math.
  • I ran to school because I was late
  • I played fortnite because I was bored.
  • When i grow up, i want to be a gamer.
  • I am good at APEX Legends because i played season 0.
  • If i get kicked out of the house, i will have nowhere to stay.
  • After i come back from school, i can play on my ps4.
  • I got 218 solo wins in fortnite because i train.
  • Ms ilaoa is late to a meeting because she forgot it was happening.

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Write 3 sentences of your own. Highlight the independent clause in blue and the dependent clause in red

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Read the complex sentences below and insert a comma needed .

  1. While he was singing he started to laugh
  2. He started to laugh, while he was singing
  3. The man made his lunch most days although sometimes he would buy it
  4. Although sometimes he would buy it the man made his lunch most days
  5. Because it was Christmas every child got a present.
  6. Every child got a present because it was Christmas.
  7. If you have a problem with farting you should see a doctor
  8. You should see a doctor if you have problems with farting

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