Complex Sentences 1
While preparing for the presentation, Sarah realized that she had forgotten to include a key slide.
What is the subordinating conjunction in this sentence?
while
Although Po was chosen to be the Dragon Warrior he has to train very hard.
Where does the comma belong in this sentence?
After I came home from school, I went to the library to finish my homework.
What is the subordinating conjunction in the sentence above?
After
As the sun began to set over the horizon, we sat quietly.
What is the subordinating conjunction in this sentence?
As
Po used his dumpling skills against Master Shifu because he was hungry.
What is the subordinating conjunction in this sentence?
because
As we strolled through the art gallery, we were constantly amazed by the creativity of each piece.
What is the INDEPENDENT clause in this sentence?
We were constantly amazed by the creativity of each piece.
Define an independent clause.
It can be a sentence on its own.
She enjoyed lunchtime.
She was able to sit with her friends.
Turn the two sentence above into a complex sentence using a subordinating conjunction.
Because she was able to sit with her friends, she enjoyed lunchtime.
She enjoyed lunchtime because she was able to sit with her friends.
Although Maria had never played the piano before, she managed to learn a few basic songs quickly.
What is the DEPENDENT clause in this sentence?
Although Maria had never played the piano before
Define an dependent clause.
It cannot be a sentence on its own.
Write a complex sentence that does not need a comma.
Answers vary
Because Po believed in himself, he defeated Tai Lung.
What is the DEPENDENT clause in this sentence?
Because Po believed in himself
Bridget is not moving to Texas although she wants to go with her mother.
Is this sentence written correctly? Why or why not?
The sentence is correct. It does not need a comma because the independent clause comes first in the sentence.
We couldn’t go to the beach because it started raining.
What is the DEPENDENT clause in this sentence?
because it started raining
Name three subordinating conjunctions. (All three words that you say must be correct to get the points)
Answers vary.
If I am writing a complex sentence and it starts with a subordinating conjunction, do I need to add a comma?
Yes
Tigress wanted to be the Dragon Warrior although Master Dogway chose Po.
What is the INDEPENDENT clause in this sentence?
Tigress wanted to be the Dragon Warrior
Po used his dumpling skills against Master Shifu because he was hungry.
Does this sentence need a comma? Why or why not?
This sentence does not need a comma because the independent clause comes first in the sentence.
While the professor explained the lesson very clearly many students did not do well on the exam.
Where does the comma go in the sentence above?
After clearly
If I am writing a complex sentence and it does not start with a subordinating conjunction, do I need a comma?
no
Although the rain was heavy and the winds strong we decided to continue our hike up the mountain
Where does the comma belong in the sentence above?
after strong
Using the whiteboard, write a complex sentence with the subordinating conjunction "after".
various responses.
When he finished his dinner, he washed the dishes and watched TV.
What is the INDEPENDENT clause in this sentence?
He washed the dishes and watched TV.
Although I was tired, I decided to go for a run because the weather was so nice.
What is the DEPENDENT clause in this sentence?
Although I was tired
Answers vary.