Complex Sentences

Sentence Combining

Four Types of Sentences /

Compound-Complex 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

CreateBetterWriters.com 38
 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
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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 Name: ____________________

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
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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 Name: ____________________

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. ___________________________________
After classes are over , we will be going to camp.
3. ___________________________________
Even though it is a new car , Dad changed the flat tire.

4. The police searched every house ________________________________________

in order to find the pickpocket .

5. I like to eat cotton candy __________________________________________

because it reminds me of my childhood .
If you finish your homework today
6. ___________________________________, you can go to the movies on Saturday.

7. ___________________________________
Once the teacher entered the classroom , everyone stopped what they were doing.

8. We talked on the phone for hours ____________________________________

until my mom called me .

9. We had a hard time finding our way home ___________________________________

when we went to the countryside .

10. ___________________________________
Since the hairdressing was closed , the girls did each others’ hair.

11. ___________________________________
As the train is not working , we’ll have to take two cars.

12. ___________________________________
While they light the campfire , we sang camp songs for hours.

13. Dawn and I couldn’t stop giggling ___________________________________

although the joke wasn't so funny .

14. We stared into space with our mouths wide openbecause

______________________________
there were a lot of shining stars .

15. Timmy hopped from one foot to the other ___________________________________

even though he had a sprain .

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

when whenever wherever whether while

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 Name: ____________________

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. ___________________________________
Once I saw the ghost , I froze like a statue.

3. After
___________________________________
that woman complained about the service , the officer walked into the room and

asked, “Who’s in charge here?”

4. Patsy put her face in her hands and started crying when
_____________________________
she found out her cat had died .

5. We bought a huge tub of popcorn __________________________________________

so that it can last all the film .

6. ________________________________,
As soon as it started snowing the boys began chucking snowballs everywhere.

7. ________________________________
Before the crew embarked , the captain had to wash the deck of the boat.

8. The kids jumped in the air and screamed ____________________________________

because they all had permission from their .
parents to go camping
9. Rover did all kinds of tricks ___________________________________ .
even thought he have just started the magic course

10. _______________________________
Rather than getting annoyed , Frank wondered why no one was here.

11. _______________________________
Before the class finished , the teacher wrote their homework on the board.

12. ___________________________________
Since no one was looking out the tent , a bear broke into our tent and ate our food.

13. We waited in line for tickets ___________________________________

so that everyone could have the opportunity to. enter

14. Julian stuffed a dozen marshmallows into his mouth ___________________________

even though she has a small mouth.

once the fire began to spread

15. Everyone stampeded out of the room ___________________________________ .

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

when whenever wherever whether while

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