Complex Sentences
Instruction

Complex sentences take two main ideas and make one subordinate (or less important) by attaching a subordinating word on the front. The other sentence then becomes the main idea. You may use a number of words to subordinate an sentence.

after although as
as long as as much as as soon as
as though because before
even if even though if
now that since so that
unless until when
whenever while  

The pattern-- (Subordinating word) subordinated sentence (comma) main sentence (period)
Because the students all enjoyed the field trip , the teacher planned one for the following month .
Even if I respect your opinion , I don't have to believe everything you say .
Now that you know that I like you , maybe we can be friends .
Unless you can leave now , I'll call the police .
Since you're smart , you can figure it out for yourself .
Whenever you don't do homework , you get a bad grade .

 
Check for Understanding
Directions

1. Circle the subordinating word
2. Underline the two sentences (remember, one will be the subordinate sentence, and one the main idea).
3. Check to make sure the comma comes between the two sentences.
4. Make corrections so that the sentence is a correct complex sentence structure.
Exercise

 

Before you go you should sign the guest book.

 

Although the line was long and the wait over two hours; the exhibit was well worth it

 

While Saturn and Earth are both planets which orbit the sun.

 

When I went to the store; I found they had the new Harry Potter book.

 

Wherever I left my books I better find them before tomorrow's test.

 

 

Instruction

Complex sentences are unique in English because of their 'athletic' ability. They do flips. You can tell when you have a complex sentence because the two 'sides' of the sentence reverse, and the subordinating word can go in the middle. If you do this, you take out the comma.


The pattern-- (Subordinating word) subordinated sentence (comma) main sentence (period)
The teacher planned a field trip for the following month because the students all enjoyed it .
I don't have to believe everything you say even if I respect your opinion .
Maybe we can be friends now that you know that I like you .
I'll call the police unless you can leave now .
You can figure it out for yourself since you're smart .
You get a bad grade whenever you don't do homework .

 

Check for Understanding

Directions 1. Circle the subordinating word
2. Underline the two sentences (remember, one will be the subordinate sentence, and one the main idea).
3. Check to make sure there isn't extra punctuation in the middle.
4. Make corrections so that the sentence is a correct complex sentence structure.
Exercise

 

Make sure you avoid the construction on Main Street. If you go to the park.

 

I heard the next test is really easy even though the last two were really hard.

 

He fiddled with his shirt sleeves; before he pulled at his tie.

 

The man swore to follow Gottfried, wherever he might go.

 

She married him but he looked just like her bulldog.

 

 

Internet Resources
  University of Victoria Handout

 
Last Updated on 7-10-2007