What a complex sentence is
A complex sentence has 1 independent clause and 1 or more dependent clauses.
Dependent clause
Whenthesunset,
Cannot stand alone
Independent clause
theairgotcold.
Can stand alone
Subordinating conjunctions:becausewhenalthoughifafterbeforesincewhile
Dependent clause: a clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Watch a dependent clause move
Comma rule: a dependent clause at the front of the sentence needs a comma after the dependent clause. A dependent clause at the end needs no comma.
Try it
Move the clause and set the comma
- Click Move to put the dependent clause at the front or at the end.
- Click Comma to add or remove the comma.
- Read the result.
- Click Next sentence to get a new sentence.
Quick check
Answer 5 questions. You see your score at the end.