Complex Sentences

ComplexSentences They are not terribly complex to learn.

Just like math…. Here’s the formula: Sentence + dependent clause = complex sentence. or Sentence + relative clause = complex sentence. The sentence is the MAIN IDEA and the dependent clause, or the relative clause supports it.

There is a difference in the parts of a complex sentence. A sentence carries the meaning. If you take it out of the complex sentence it can stand alone. The dependent clause cannot stand alone.

Again, complex sentences are formed 2 ways: using a dependent clause plus (+) a sentence using a relative clause plus (+) a sentence

Dependent Clause Review A dependent clause contains a subject(s) and verb(s), but it does not make sense when it stands by itself. It begins with a subordinating conjunction that is supposed to join it to an independent clause.

Dependent Clause examples within a complex sentence: • If the mother sneezes, she will scream. • Although the lemonade was pricey, I drank it anyway. • Because the car was extremely hot, I screamed when I sat down.

A dependent clause can come at the beginning of a sentence, or at the end of a sentence. Beginning of the sentence: Because I was thirsty, I drank an entire pool. End of the sentence: I drank an entire pool because I was thirsty. OR

The next few slides have examples of ComplexSentences with Dependent Clauses…

Dependent Clause + Sentence If the mother sneezes, the baby might learn to fly.

Dependent Clause + Sentence Although the lemonade was pricey, we bought several glasses.

Sentence + Dependent Clause The crayons melted because the car was extremely hot.

Sentence + Dependent Clause The lamb will drown unless you get it out of the water.

Complex Sentence = Sentence (+) Relative Clauses

Complex sentences with a relative clause begin with who, which,or that One more time… Relative Clauses – begin with who, which or that

Examples of Relative Clauses: • who needed grammar lessons • which is sitting by the sink • that warned motorists of recent Bigfoot sightings *** Relative clauses begin with who, which, or that.

Complex sentences with a Relative Clause • the relative clause = extra information • the rest of the sentence = main idea

Complex sentences with a Relative Clause Yoda, who needed grammar lessons, borrowed a book from the library.

Complex sentences with a Relative Clause The brown sign that warned motorists of recent Bigfoot sightingsgot our attention.

Complex sentences with a Relative Clause The empty cup, which is sitting by the sink, is the home of a tiny turtle.

REVIEW Complex sentences are made up of…. a sentence (main idea) + a clause (less important idea)

Complex sentences sentence + dependent clause If I spend too much time playing Plants versus Zombies, I tend to neglect my family.

Complex sentences Sentence + relative clause The Iron Throne, which is cold and uncomfortable, needs soft, satin cushions.

Now practice creating your own complex sentences!!

Complex Sentences