Complex Sentences

They are not terribly complex to learn.

Just like math….

Here’s the formula:Sentence + dependent clause = complex

sentence.or

Sentence + relative clause = complex sentence.

The sentence is the MAIN IDEA and the dependent clause, or the relative clause

supports it.

There is a difference in the parts of a complex sentence.

A sentence carries the meaning. If you take it out of the complex sentence it can stand alone. The dependent clause cannot stand alone.

Again, complex sentences are formed 2 ways:

using a dependent clause plus (+) a sentence

using a relative clause plus (+) a sentence

Dependent Clause Review

A dependent clause contains a subject(s) and verb(s), but it does not make sense when it stands by itself.

It begins with a subordinating conjunction that is supposed to joinit to an independent clause.

Dependent Clause examples within a complex sentence:

• If the mother sneezes, she will scream.

• Although the lemonade was pricey, I drank it anyway.

• Because the car was extremely hot, I screamed when I sat down.

A dependent clause can come at the beginning of a sentence, or at

the end of a sentence.Beginning of the sentence:Because I was thirsty, I drank an entire pool.End of the sentence:I drank an entire pool because I was thirsty.

OR

The next few slides have examples of Complex Sentences with Dependent Clauses…

If the mother sneezes, the baby might learn to fly.

Dependent Clause + Sentence

Dependent Clause + Sentence

Although the lemonade was pricey, we bought several glasses.

Sentence + Dependent Clause

The crayons melted because the car was extremely hot.

Sentence + Dependent Clause

The lamb will drown unless you get it out of the water.

Complex Sentence = Sentence (+)

Relative Clauses

Complex sentences with a relative clause begin with

who, which,

or that

One more time…Relative Clauses – begin with who, which or

that

Examples of Relative Clauses:

• who needed grammar lessons

• which is sitting by the sink

• that warned motorists of recent Bigfoot sightings

*** Relative clauses begin with who, which, or that.

Complex sentences with a Relative Clause

• the relative clause = extra information

• the rest of the sentence = main idea

Complex sentences with a Relative Clause

Yoda, who needed grammar lessons, borrowed a book from the library.

Complex sentences with a Relative Clause

The brown sign that warned motorists of recent Bigfoot sightings got our attention.

Complex sentences with a Relative Clause

The empty cup, which is sitting

by the sink, is the home of a tiny turtle.

REVIEW

Complex sentences are made up of….

a sentence (main idea) +a clause (less important idea)

Complex sentences

sentence + dependent clause

If I spend too much time playing Plants versus Zombies, I tend to neglect my family.

Complex sentences

Sentence + relative clause

The Iron Throne, which is cold and uncomfortable, needs soft, satin cushions.

Now practice creating your own complex sentences!!