Complex Sentences Anchor Chart
Grammar Anchor Chart
Complex Sentences
A complex sentence combines one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
1. Independent Clause Can Stand Alone!
A complete thought with a subject and a verb. It works by itself as a sentence.
Example:
"I always ask for pizza."
(Subject: I | Verb: ask | Complete thought!)
2. Dependent Clause Needs Help!
Has a subject and verb, but starts with a subordinating conjunction. It leaves you hanging!
Example:
"When we go out to eat..."
(Starts with When | Incomplete thought!)
The Comma Rule: Check the Order!
Pay close attention to where the sentence starts
Rule A Dependent Clause First
When the dependent clause comes first, you MUST use a comma after it!
Before I go to school, I always eat breakfast.
Dependent Clause + COMMA + Independent Clause
Rule B Independent Clause First
When the independent clause comes first, you DO NOT need a comma!
I always eat breakfast before I go to school.
Independent Clause + NO COMMA + Dependent Clause
Subordinating Conjunctions (The "Clue" Words)
These words turn an independent clause into a dependent clause!
after
although
as
because
before
even though
if
since
so that
though
unless
until
when
whenever
where
whether
while
why
Sentence Showdown: Know the Difference!
1. Simple
1 Independent Clause
"I like pizza."
2. Compound
2 Independent Clauses + , + Conjunction
"I like pizza, but my sister doesn't."
3. Complex
Independent + Dependent Clause
"When we go out to eat, I always ask for pizza."
Quick Test: Read the clause alone. If you are left waiting for the rest of the thought, it's dependent!
Keep in your binder
Complex Sentences Bellwork Sheet
Daily Grammar Practice
Complex Sentences Bellwork
Week of: ____________
Name: ___________________________
Date: _________________
Period: _______
Tuesday Clause Detective
Standard: Identify Clauses
Directions: Circle any subordinating conjunction. Then write I for Independent Clause (complete thought) or D for Dependent Clause (incomplete thought) on the line.
1. because I have a big test in math [ ]
2. I can't find my science book [ ]
3. When we go out to eat [ ]
4. I always eat breakfast [ ]
Wednesday Sentence Showdown
Standard: Classify Sentence Types
Directions: Read each sentence. Fill in the bubble for Simple, Compound, or Complex.
1. "My mom thinks I'm too young, but I can handle it."
○ Simple ○ Compound ○ Complex
2. "Even though she disagrees, I feel pretty responsible."
○ Simple ○ Compound ○ Complex
3. "She might change her mind since I will be in middle school next year."
○ Simple ○ Compound ○ Complex
Thursday Comma Patrol
Standard: Punctuate Complex Sentences
Directions: Insert a comma (,) in the correct spot if needed. If the sentence is already punctuated correctly without a comma, write CORRECT on the line.
1. If you are absent you have a lot of homework. Status: _____________________________
2. I wish I could skip school today because I have a big test. Status: _____________________________
3. Before I go to school I always eat breakfast. Status: _____________________________
4. We celebrated after our soccer team won the tournament. Status: _____________________________
Friday Sentence Architect
Standard: Construct Complex Sentences
Word Bank: because • when • although • if • since • before • while • after
Directions: Add a dependent clause to each simple sentence to create a complete complex sentence. Don't forget proper comma punctuation!
1. Base sentence: "I need to clean my room."
2. Base sentence: "I can't find my science book."
Turn in on Friday for weekly grammar credit. Weekly Total: _____ / 20 pts
