The Complex Sentence Sentence Type #3

What Is a Clause? A simple sentence is called an INDEPENDENT CLAUSE. A compound sentence is TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES separated by? A comma first and then a F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) conjunction. A complex sentence has ONE INDEPENDENT CLAUSE and ONE DEPENDENT or SUBORDINATE CLAUSE. F.A.N.B.O.Y.S. Join words, phrases, And ideas!

What Does Subordinate/Dependent Mean? If you are subordinate to the teacher, what does that mean you are? If I am subordinate to Mr. Pauley, what does that mean I am? If one idea is subordinate to another, what does that mean? Subordinate = secondary, lesser, inferior, or minor – all things subordinate are under a higher authority. If you are dependent on your parents, you are? Needy, reliant, dependent

So What Does a Complex Sentence Look Like? Although she is very talented, she will not win the contest. Although she is very talented = subordinate/dependent clause She will not win the contest. = independent clause/simple sentence Which word is the subordinate conjunction? Although

Which Is Independent and Which Is Subordinate? I like the kitten with the stripes even though he seems like the rowdiest, craziest one. I like the kitten with the stripes = independent clause/simple sentence Even though he seems like the rowdiest, crazy one = subordinate/dependent clause Which word is the subordinate conjunction? Even though

Let’s Try One More: When he had finished his dinner, he cleaned up his plate, put it in the dishwasher, and wiped off the table. When he had finished his dinner = subordinate/dependent clause he cleaned up his plate, put it in the dishwasher, and wiped off the table = independent/simple sentence Which word is the subordinate conjunction? When

Subordinate Conjunctions A subordinate clause contains a subject and a verb. The subordinate clause can be an adverb clause which begins with one of the following subordinate conjunctions: After before until Although if when As in order that whenever As if since where As though so that wherever As long as than while As soon as though even though because unless Or an adjective clause, acting as a description, beginning with: That which who whom whose Or a noun clause, acting as a simple subject or direct object, beginning with: What whatever whichever whoever whomever That which who whom whose How whether when where why

So What about Commas? Look at the following complex sentences and you figure out the comma rule: As long as we get to sit together, I am happy to go to the play. I am happy to go to the play as long as we get to sit together. My dog will not leave the yard unless I tell him to. Unless I tell him to, my dog will not leave the yard.

So What Is the Comma Rule for Complex Sentences? If the subordinate clause/dependent clause starts the sentence, place a comma after it. If the independent clause/simple sentence starts the sentence, do not use a comma.

So Let’s See the Commas Again As long as we get to sit together, I am happy to go to the play. I am happy to go to the play as long as we get to sit together. My dog will not leave the yard unless I tell him to. Unless I tell him to, my dog will not leave the yard. Rule: If the subordinate clause/dependent clause starts the sentence, place a comma after. If the independent clause comes first, no commas.

How about a compound-complex sentence? As you may suspect, the last sentence type is a combination of a compound sentence and a complex sentence. Example: After I opened the letter from UF, I was so excited, and immediately I knew that my college decision was made!

A Few More Examples: He told me who stole my bike but I didn’t believe him! Publix is an excellent company and because my dad is already a manager there I hope to get a job there too. Since you have not paid me back I do not want to lend you anymore money but if you pay me back the first loan I’ll think about it.

Let’s Practice Identifying & Punctuating Sentences!