Complex Sentences Grade 3 ©Copyright by Write Score LLC

Simple Sentences The vines grew fast. SIMPLE SENTENCES contain one subject and one predicate. The vines grew fast. They covered the fence in no time.

Compound Sentences COMPOUND SENTENCES contain two simple sentences that are connected with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, yet, so). The vines grew fast, and they covered the fence in no time.

Complex Sentences COMPLEX SENTENCES contain one simple sentence and at least one dependent clause. Since the vines grew so fast, they covered the fence in no time. The vines grew fast until they completely covered the fence.

Simple Sentences A simple sentence may be changed to a complex sentence by adding at least one dependent clause to the beginning or end of the complex sentence. A dependent clause cannot stand on its own as a complete thought and usually begins with a subordinate conjunction.

Subordinate Clauses after although before even though since though unless until when whenever as if whereas wherever while because

For Example Simple: Kaiden lost her favorite blanket. (Add a dependent clause to the beginning of the simple sentence.) Complex: Although she thought she was holding it tightly under her arm, Kaiden lost her favorite blanket. *** Although she thought she was holding it tightly under her arm can’t stand alone because the reader doesn’t know what she is holding.

For Example Simple: I parked in the shade. (Add a dependent clause to the end of the simple sentence.) Complex: I parked in the shade, because the sun was hotter than red hot coals. *** because the sun was hotter than the red hot coals can’t stand alone because the reader doesn’t know what happened.