Complex Sentences

Sentence Combining

Four Types of Sentences /

Misplaced Modifiers

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 Grammar Standards - Unit 2

Student

Mastery Non-Mastery
1. Complex Sentences
2. Sentence Combining
3. Four Types of Sentences / Compound-Complex Sentences
4. Misplaced Modifiers

Grammar Standards - Unit 2

Student

Mastery Non-Mastery
1. Complex Sentences
2. Sentence Combining
3. Four Types of Sentences / Compound-Complex Sentences
4. Misplaced Modifiers

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 Name:

You’ve already learned that a clause has a subject and a verb. There are two kinds of clauses:
1. An independent clause 2. A dependent clause

Dependent Clause: A dependent clause has a subject and a verb. However, it has NO complete
thought. It needs an independent clause. Therefore, it is dependent on the
independent clause.
Example: After Tyler called his friend. . . Subject = Tyler Verb = Called

Independent Clause: An independent clause has a subject, verb, and a complete thought.
It is a sentence.
Example: He met him at the park.

Simple Sentence: A simple sentence only has a subject and a complete predicate.
Examples: The dog barked. / The big, hairy dog with sharp teeth barked at the mailman.
Complex Sentence: A dependent clause needs an independent clause. When you put the
two together, you have a complex sentence.
Examples: When the mailman arrived, the dog barked.
Dependent clause Independent Clause
Subordinate Conjunctions: Subordinate conjunctions connect a dependent clause with an
independent clause. Here are some examples:
after although because before if once unless until whenever while

Directions: Write “Dependent Clause” under the dependent clause and “Independent Clause” under the
independent clause. Circle the subordinate conjunction.
1. The mailman wouldn’t deliver our mail after my dog bit him in the leg.
Independent Clause Dependent Clause
2. Sarah could have done better on the assignment, although she did receive an A.
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE DEPENDENT CLAUSE
3. Because she didn’t say, “Mother may I?” she had to start over.
DEPENDENT CLAUSE INDEPENDENT CLAUSE
4. Before my mom would let me spend the night, she had to talk to Jamie’s mom.
DEPENDENT CLAUSE INDEPENDENT CLAUSE
5. If you study for the test, you will do much better.
DEPENDENT CLAUSE - INDEPENDENT CLAUSE
6. Once the play started, we were not allowed to talk.
DEPENDENT CLAUSE- INDEPENDENT CLAUSE
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 7. We won’t be able to play unless the rain stops by noon.
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE- DEPENDENT CLAUSE
8. Rex practiced his guitar until he could play the song perfectly.
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE – DEPENDENT CLAUSE
9. Whenever I think about my third grade teacher, I have a warm feeling inside.
DEPENDENT CLAUSE INDEPENDENT CLAUSE
10. We played games while the adults sat and talked.
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE- DEPENDENT CLAUSE

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Directions: Write “Dependent Clause” under the dependent clause and “Independent
Clause” under the independent clause. Circle the subordinate conjunction.
1. The mailman wouldn’t deliver our mail after my dog bit him in the leg.
Independent Clause Dependent Clause
2. Because we were all so tired, we decided to go home early.
Dependent clause Independent clause
3. Unless we do all of our homework, we won’t be able to play.

Dependent clause Independent clause

4. My dog waited at the door for us until we got home.

Independent clause Dependent clause

5. Although none of us wanted to leave, we had to be home before midnight.

Dependent clause Independent clause

6. If Charlie doesn’t stop teasing that dog, the dog is going to bite him.

Dependent clause Independent clause

7. We took pictures while the monkeys swung from the trees.

Independent clause Dependent clause

8. Whenever my sister gets in trouble, my dad makes her weed the garden.

Dependent clause Independent clause

9. Once school starts, you need a pass to get into your class.

Dependent clause Independent clause

10. Before you accuse someone of stealing your pencil, make sure it isn’t just lost.

Dependent clause Independent clause

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 11. I had to go to the dentist because my back tooth started to hurt.

Independent clause Dependent clause

12. After I finished my project, I asked my dad to check it for mistakes.

Dependent clause Independent clause

13. If I had hit the ball five more feet, it would have been a homerun.

Dependent clause Independent clause

14. We could not go to the movies until my baby sister woke up from her nap.

Independent clause Dependent clause

15. Alice played the piano while Mary played her flute.

Independent clause Dependent clause

Extension: Use each subordinate conjunction below in a complex sentence. Skip lines. When
finished, write “Independent Clause” under the independent clauses and
“Dependent Clause” below the dependent clauses.

after because before if once unless when wherever whether while

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Directions: Write a dependent clause that turns the simple sentence into a complex
sentence. Use the subordinate conjunctions in the extension below for ideas.

1. While we sang at the concert , parents recorded the show with their video cameras.
2. Because we have extra vacations , we will be going to camp.
3. Although the car was new , Dad changed the flat tire.
4. The police searched every house after the robbery scaped.

5. I like to eat cotton candy while I’m in a fair.

6. If you pass that exam, you can go to the movies on Saturday.

7. After the police entered the house, everyone stopped what they were doing.

8. We talked on the phone for hours before your mom arrived home.

9. We had a hard time finding our way home so we were really happy to finally get here.
10. Because they were going to a party, the girls did each others’ hair.

11. If we cant get a private car , we’ll have to take two cars.

12. When we arrived to the beach , we sang camp songs for hours.

13. Dawn and I couldn’t stop giggling so we were exiled from the classroom.

14. We stared into space with our mouths wide open when we saw that shooting star.

15. Timmy hopped from one foot to the other when he was little.

Extension: Your dog has escaped and wants to play hide and seek. It’s your job to track him
down. Write a one paragraph story about your attempts to catch him. Use at least
three ( 3 ) complex sentences. Use the subordinate conjunctions below for ideas.

after as because before if once since so unless

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Directions: Write a dependent clause that turns the simple sentence into a complex sentence.

1. While we sang at the concert , parents recorded the show with their video cameras.
2. When I was told the news , I froze like a statue.

3. While my mother was taking a bath , the officer walked into the room and
asked, “Who’s in charge here?”

4. Patsy put her face in her hands and started crying because her dog had an accident.

5. We bought a huge tub of popcorn as we were looking for the best movie at the store.

6. Before the couch asks them not to, the boys began chucking snowballs everywhere.

7. Because the dove pooped it , the captain had to wash the deck of the boat.

8. The kids jumped in the air and screamed So their mother shut them up .

9. Rover did all kinds of tricks so he gets jod as a magician easily.

10. After he arrived home , Frank wondered why no one was here.

11. Because the students didin’t get it , the teacher wrote their homework on the board.

12. Before we start hiking , a bear broke into our tent and ate our food.

13. We waited in line for tickets so we could find great seats.

14. Julian stuffed a dozen marshmallows into his mouth before he gets stuck.

15. Everyone stampeded out of the room when the earthquaked started.

Extension: Think of a task that can be explained easily. For example, you can explain how to
make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Write a one paragraph explanation of how to do that task. Use at least
three ( 3 ) complex sentences. Use the subordinate conjunctions below for ideas.

after as because before if once since so unless

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