Name ______________________________ Core ______
Study Guide: Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses in Complex Sentences
Part One Directions: In the following complex sentences: (1) put a square around the first word of the
dependent clause; (2) highlight the entire dependent clause; (3) then in the space before the complex
sentence, put adv if the dependent clause is an adverb clause, put adj if the dependent clause is an adjective
clause, and put noun if the dependent clause is a noun clause; (4) finally, to check your answers, identify the
subjects, predicates, and (prepositional phrases) in both clauses.
______1. The concert promoters were never told that tickets were selling poorly.
______2. Because she had developed severe allergies, Erika was forced to give away her cat.
______3. Cursed with an insatiable sweet tooth, Leo turned down a job at the local bakery, although he
needed the money.
______4. The psychologist’s research discovered why some children are underachievers.
______5. The hard-working student looked forward to the upcoming vacation, which she had been dreaming
of for months.
______6. Acrobats perform complicated feats that seem to defy gravity.
______7. Until she passes her bar exam, Alma will not have time for much of a social life.
______8. The woman who received the award gave a fine speech.
______9. A steep hill and plenty of snow are what we need for sledding.
______10. You should always check the expiration date before you buy perishable food.
Part Two Directions: Be prepared to write a short story on a topic of your choice that includes at least one
noun clause, adjective clause, and adverb clause.
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