Complex Sentences Objectives 1 Recognize main and subordinate

Complex Sentences

Objectives 1. Recognize main and subordinate clauses. 2. Make complex sentences. 3. Correctly punctuate complex sentences.

Examples 1. When you finish your work, please put it away. 2. After we completed the worksheet, we read the second chapter of our book. 3. Before I went to bed, I watched TV for a couple of hours. A Complex Sentence has two clauses: a main clause and a subordinate clause.

Main and Subordinate Clauses 1. A main clause is like a sentence. It can stand alone. Examples: – – – Please put it in the basket. We read the second chapter of the book. I watched TV for a couple of hours. 2. A subordinate clause cannot stand alone. It is expresses an incomplete idea. Example: – When you finish your work – After we completed the worksheet – Before I went to bed Note: words like when, after, and _______ are called subordinating conjunctions. Some other subordinating conjunctions are while, as, although, since, and because.

Main or Subordinate Clause? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. After we wash the dishes _______ I like Indian food ______ While we were eating dinner _____ Even though it is spicy_____ He went to the barber _____ The phone rang _____ Because his hair was getting very long _____ We will play some games ______

2 Ways to Attach a Subordinate Clause to a Main Clause 1. Put the subordinate clause last. Example: We read the second chapter after we completed the worksheet. 2. Put the subordinate clause first. Example: After we completed the worksheet, we read the second chapter.

Comma Rule • If the subordinate clause is first, put a comma at the end of it. When Mary came over, I was playing Scrabble. subordinate clause comma main clause

No Comma • If the subordinate clause comes after the main clause, do not use a comma. I was playing Scrabble when Mary came over. main clause no comma subordinate clause

Make 4 complex sentences by joining a subordinate clause and a main clause. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. After we wash the dishes I like Indian food While we were eating dinner Even though it is spicy He went to the barber The phone rang Because his hair was getting very long We will play some games

Underline and label the Main Clause and the Subordinate Clause in each sentence. Add a comma if necessary. 1. 2. 3. 4. You will do well on the test if you study a little. When it rains I always carry an umbrella. Before you go to bed you should try to relax. My brother never talks to me when we are in school. 5. When we are home he is my best friend.

Released CAHSEE Questions