1. Complex Sentences

2. What are complex sentences?
Complex Sentences contain one independent clause and one dependent clause.
Example:
I love this class because I like to study grammar.

3. Because you love me, I love you.
Complex sentence
Dependent clause
Because you love me, I love you.
Independent clause
A dependent clause joined to an independent clause. (The dependent clause needs the rest of the sentence for support.)
***How does this graphic symbolically represent a complex sentence?

4. Formulas
D = dependent clause (not a complete sentence) I = independent clause (a complete sentence) _________= When I get to Phoenix, you will be sleeping. _________ = The players went out for pizza after they practiced.
[ ]
Dependent
Independent
D,I
Independent
Dependent
[ ]
I D

5. Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone.
Fragment!
Because you love me.
A dependent clause contains a subject and verb, but it begins with a subordinating conjunction. It does not express a complete thought.
Dependent clauses, like babies, cannot stand alone.

6. Punctuation Tip
Since dependent clauses are only part of a sentence, you can never connect them to another sentence with a semicolon. Semicolons are only used between two independent clauses.
I have loved you for years ; although I never admitted it.
I have loved you for years, although I never admitted it.
No! OK

7. Write some complex sentences of your own using the subordinating conjunctions provided:
Because I love the beach, I go there every summer.
Although I got sunburned, I still had a great time.
I always take a lot of pictures unless my camera is broken.
We always collect seashells before we leave.
NOTICE: The comma is only used when the dependent clause is first.

8. REVIEW F or Simple Sentences Compound Sentences A nd SV I ; I
N or SSV I , c I
B ut SVV
O r SSVV
Y et
S o C = coordinating conjunction

9. Summary
Complex sentences are formed by using a subordinating conjunction to combine an independent clause and a dependent clause.