Sentence Structure

1. Sentence Structure Complex Sentences

2. Dependent Clause • Most dependent clauses contain: • SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION • SUBJECT • VERB • It was raining. (independent clause) • Because it was raining… (dependent clause)

3. Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions • after • before • once • although • as • as if • as long as • as though • because • still • even if • even though • if • if only • in order to • now that • rather than • since • so that • than • that • unless • until • when • whenever • where • whereas • wherever • while

4. Forming Complex Sentences • Independent Clause • Dependent Clause • I went to La Parilla after the football game ended. • Nachos are delicious unless they are covered with jalapeños. • You are not dismissed from class until all chairs are pushed into the desks.

5. Forming Complex Sentences • Dependent Clause • COMMA • Independent Clause • After the football game ended, I went to La Parilla. • Unless they are covered with jalapeños, nachos are delicious. • Until all chairs are pushed into the desks, you are not dismissed from class.

6. Let’s Practice! Underline the independent clause once and the dependent clause twice. Circle the subordinating conjunction (the signal word that begins the dependent clause).Add punctuation marks if necessary. • If I hear Miley Cyrus’s name one more time I am going to puke! • Ever since my friend’s Jack Russell got a taste of freedom she tries to slip out the front door. • You can go hunting after you blow the leaves in the front yard. • Although you dislike school treating people with respect always has its benefits.

7. Let’s Practice! • I love eating popcorn and Sour Patch Kids at the movies because they are such a great combination. • After the Creekland football game ended Paul and I went home.