Name:
A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one
dependent clause. A complex sentence always has a subordinating
conjunction such as: because, since, after, although, or, when, or a relative
pronoun such as: that, who, or which. For example: I did not see Sharne
today, because she was playing netball.
When a complex sentence begins with a subordinator, a comma is required at the
end of the dependent clause. When the independent clause begins the sentence with
subordinators in the middle, no comma is required.
A complex sentence is formed when you join a main clause and a subordinate
clause with a connective. A subordinate clause is one that relies on a main clause to
make sense.
A complex sentence = main clause+ connective+ subordinate clause
For example: My dog growled when the van arrived.
1. Change the sentences below into complex sentences
a) Danny laughed loudly at the play.________________________________________
b) Granny made me tea.__________________________________________________
c) Mom plays the piano well.______________________________________________
d) We went to Robben Island.______________________________________________
e) The boy fell down exhausted.____________________________________________
f ) I did not post the letter._________________________________________________
g) Ben was not scared to write his test.______________________________________
h) It rained for months.___________________________________________________
Tip: When the dependent clause
comes first, a comma should be used
to separate the two clauses.
Tip: When the independent clause
comes first, a comma should not be
used to separate the two clauses.
© e-classroom 2014 www.e-classroom.co.za
Grade 4 Term 3 English Language; Language structure and conventions; Complex sentences
GRADE 4
Complex sentences
1. Change the sentences below into complex sentences
a) Danny laughed loudly at the play because the actors were silly.
b) When I was sick in bed, granny made me tea.
c) Since Mom has time, she plays the piano well.
d) We went to Robben Island to visit the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
e) After the boy ran the race, he fell down exhausted.
f ) I did not post the letter because I ran out of time.
g) Ben was not scared to write his test because he had studied hard.
h) As it was winter time, it rained for months.
Tip: When the dependent clause
comes first, a comma should be used
to separate the two clauses.
Tip: When the independent clause
comes first, a comma should not be
used to separate the two clauses.
© e-classroom 2014 www.e-classroom.co.za
Grade 4 Term 3 English Language; Language structure and conventions; Complex sentences
GRADE 4
Answer Key