Complex Sentences

Grammar #5AP English Language and Composition

Mr. BennetMs. Miller

Mrs. Verhaegen

Review of Clauses

Independent Clause An independent clause is a group of words that contains

a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a simple sentence. Example: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his

chemistry quiz.Dependent Clause A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a

subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word. Example: When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for

his chemistry quiz . . . (What happened when he studied? The thought is incomplete.)

Complex Sentences

Simple Sentence- Consists of just one independent clause with a period at the end.

Compound Sentence- Consists of two or more independent clauses held together by either:a comma and a coordinating conjunctionjust a semicolonan independent word marker and a

semicolon Complex Sentence- Consists of one

dependent clause and one independent clause held together by a dependent word marker and a comma (if and only if the dependent clause comes first– otherwise there is no comma).

Joining Sentences with Subordinators (aka subordinating conjunctions/ dependent marker words) Subordinators- help us show a variety of

relationships between ideas When we place a subordinator at the beginning of

an independent clause, it becomes a dependent clause.

Remember a dependent clause cannot stand on it’s own, so it must be joined to an independent clause.

Punctuation- When the subordinate clause comes first in a sentence, it is always followed by a comma. If the independent clause comes first, there is NO comma.

Logical Relationships Chart

Subordinator Logical Relationship Example

although, though, even though, while, whereas

contrast Although I am a senior, I have 40 more units to take.

because, since result/cause School is taking longer because I have to work.

if condition I can go to the movies if I finish my homework.

unless condition I cannot go to the movies unless I finish my homework.

before, after, when, whenever, until, as soon as

time/sequence I’ll try to finish my homework before I go to the movies.

Combine the Sentences with Coordinators

Directions: Combine the following pairs of sentences using subordinators. Make the underlined sentences into the subordinate or dependent clause; the logical relationship is given in brackets.

1. Cockroaches are a health menace to humans. They carry viruses and bacteria that cause disease from hepatitis to salmonella. [result/cause]

2. Humans try to defeat the cockroaches. Cockroaches are very successful at surviving. [contrast]

3. Cockroaches are smaller that the humans who chase them. They have extremely fast responses and sensitive receptors. [contrast]

4. There is no food. Cockroaches subsist on glue, paper, and soap. [condition]

5. They can’t find glue, paper or soap. They draw on body stores for three months. [condition]

And the Answers…1. Since They carry viruses and bacteria that cause disease from

hepatitis to salmonella, cockroaches are a health menace to humans. (because also works) or: Cockroaches are a health menace to humans since they carry viruses and bacteria that cause disease from hepatitis to salmonella.

2. While Humans try to defeat the cockroaches, Cockroaches are very successful at surviving.

3. Although cockroaches are smaller that the humans who chase them, they have extremely fast responses and sensitive receptors.

4. If there is no food, cockroaches subsist on glue, paper, and soap. Or Cockroaches subsist on glue, paper, and soap if there is no food.

5. If they can’t find glue, paper or soap, they draw on body stores for three months. Or They draw on body stores for three months if they can’t find glue, paper or soap.

Study Time

• Points of interest

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