Complex Sentences

A complex sentence contains one independent
clause and at least one dependent clause.

• An independent clause is the part of the
sentence that can stand alone.
• The dependent clause cannot stand by itself.
• A subordinating conjunction begins the
dependent clause.
Common subordinating conjunctions: after,
although, as, because, before, for, if, once, since,
than, that, though, unless, until, when, whenever,
where, wherever, whether, while.
(subordinating conjunction)

Example: Because I did not study, I failed the test.

dependent clause independent clause

Teach the Skill


5 minutes

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Post the list of subordinating conjunctions
for students to use as a reference.
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Write the following phrase on the board or
chart paper: After he washed his hands. Have
students share questions they might ask after
reading this phrase. (For example, What did he
do after he washed his hands?)
¦
Write the following sentence on the board:
After he washed his hands, Danny baked
cupcakes. Discuss how the phrase Danny baked
cupcakes must be included for the first part of
the sentence to make sense. Explain that the
phrase Danny baked cupcakes is called the
independent clause because it makes sense
on its own. Explain that the phrase After he
washed his hands is called the dependent clause
because it needs the independent clause to
be completely understood by readers.

¦
Identify for students the subordinating
conjunction from the posted list that was
used to join the sentences (after). Point out
that when the dependent clause appears first
in a sentence, a comma is used to separate
the two clauses.
¦
Ask students to tell the sentences created
by placing the independent clause first.
(Danny baked cupcakes after he washed his
hands.) Point out that since the independent
clause appeared first in this sentence, a
comma was not used to separate the
two clauses.
¦
Explain to students that fluent writers use
complex sentences to make their writing
more interesting to read.
¦
Write the following sentences on the
board: I make my bed. My chores will be
finished. Ask students to use a subordinating
conjunction to create a complex sentence.
Invite students to share their sentence aloud.
Write each sentence on the board. Ask
volunteers to identify the dependent clause,
the subordinating conjunction, and the
independent clause.
Practice the Skill


10–15 minutes

¦
Write the following clauses on the board
or chart paper out of order: I turn 21 years old.
I can vote. I go shopping. I need milk. Divide
students into pairs. Give three blank sentence
strips to each pair. Have them create two
complex sentences from the clauses listed.
Then have students create one complex
sentence of their own. When students are
finished, invite them to share their sentences.
Write each sentence on the board or chart
paper. Have volunteers draw one line under
the subordinate clause, two lines under
the independent clause, and circle the
subordinate conjunction in the sentences.

Apply the Skill

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose a subordinating conjunction and join the sentences to create a complex sentence.
Write the new sentence on the lines, underlining the dependent clause once and the independent clause twice.

after, although, as, because, before, for, if, once, since, than,
that, though, unless, until, when, whenever, where, wherever,
whether, while


1. I say please. I can have a cookie.

2. I go to the party. I need to buy a birthday gift.

3. He opened his presents. He wrote thank-you cards.

4. I will ride the bus to work. I fix my car.

5. I don’t like to feel cold. I like to go skiing.

For more practice you can make up your own sentences.