Comma Lesson 9 Complex Sentences Complex Sentence rule

Comma Lesson #9: Complex Sentences

Complex Sentence rule: A complex sentence includes an independent clause (could be a short sentence by itself) and a dependent clause (has a subject and a verb, but can’t be a short sentence by itself). In a complex sentence, if the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma after the dependent clause. A dependent clause frequently begins with a word like after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, or while.

Examples: If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids. Because we switched to Eastern Standard time, the sun goes down before 6 pm. After the movie was over, we went out for ice cream. “When we were kids, ” he said, “ we went swimming almost every day in the summer. ” “While I was waiting for you, I texted your father to let him know we will be late, ” said my mother.

Practice this skill: IXL 6 th grade, JJ. 2 Writing practice: 1. Create a complex sentence that begins with the word before, unless, or until. 2. Create a complex sentence that also contains three items in a series. 3. Create a complex sentence of dialogue that ends with the speaker tag and contains an interrupter. 4. Create a compound sentence of dialogue that is interrupted by the speaker tag and contains a place with city and state.