Making Complex SentencesMaking Complex SentencesUsing Subordinating Using Subordinating ConjunctionsConjunctions

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause (simple sentence) joined by one dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction.

Example:

•Rosie left the house - (independent clause)

•while her parents were sleeping - (dependent clause) (subordinating conjunction)

•Rosie left the house while her parents were sleeping.

~OR~•While her parents were sleeping, Rosie left the house.

Both of these sentences are complex sentences.

Subordinating conjunctions can be classified according to the kind of relationship they express between clauses. Here are some of them:

•Time: before, after, when, until, while, as soon as, as long as

•Place: where, wherever

•Purpose: so that, in order that, so

•Cause: because, since, as

•Condition: if, unless, provided that, except

•Contrast: although, though, even though, despite, whereas

Here are some examples of complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions:

1.Time: I won’t come out until you cover your eyes.

2.Place: The dog followed the boy wherever he went.

3.Purpose: I did the homework so we could go out.

4.Cause: Roy has improved since he began studying.

5.Condition: They aren’t going unless they finish their chores.

6.Contrast: Will didn’t sleep although he was tired.

Exercise #1

Choose the correct subordinating conjunction that completes each of the following sentences.1. Paula got the job ________ she had no

experience. a) even though b) as

2. ________ it was raining, I didn't get wet. a) Although b) Because

3. ________ she likes to travel, I prefer to stay at home.

a) Since b) Whereas

4. I don't drink coffee ______ it makes me nervous. a) as b) although

5. I will be late today ______ my car has broken down.

a) because b) though

6. Jun couldn't buy any presents ______ he didn't have money.

a) because b) even though

7. She took it just once ______ I had to take it three times.

a) as b) while

8. I took my umbrella ______ it was raining. a) as long as b) as

Exercise #2

Make a sentence using one subordinating conjunction from each of the following categories:1.Time: _______________________________________

2.Place: _______________________________________

3.Purpose: _____________________________________

4.Cause: ______________________________________

5.Condition: ___________________________________

6.Contrast: ____________________________________

Return

Exercise #3 (Homework)

Write an eight sentence paragraph describing something you own. Leave a space between each line. Use at least three complex sentences.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Good work!

You did

it!