Sentences
Agnieszka Rurkowska
Agnieszka Rurkowska
COMPOUND SENTENCES
(zdania złożone współrzędnie)
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Exercises
Correct/Incorrect Worksheet/Exercises/Activities On Compound Sentences with Answers:
State whether the following compound statements are correct or incorrect, based on the coordinating conjunctions or transitional interjections, semicolon (;). Check your progress with the answers provided in the end.
1) He was getting late he; hurried to office.
2) He is sick; therefore, he didn’t attend the meeting.
3) She had to go to her home town so she left a little early.
4) He is a good student; therefore, he was also active in sports.
5) She loved children; however, she had no time to play with them.
6) She cooked dinner. He did the dishes.
7) The tea is hot and its also raining outside.
8) She was happy; therefore, she was singing.
9) She stayed alone for she never felt lonely.
10) He was nervous; therefore, he was not allowed to give the speech.
Fill In The Blanks Exercises
Fill the blank space in the sentences given below, to form a Compound Sentence. You can use coordinating conjunctions as per the need. For many expressions, it will be correct to use transitional expressions also, but for this exercise we will limit to using only coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS).Cross check your answer with the answers given in the end of the exercise.
1) I requested him many time, _________ he did not relent.
2) He is working hard, ___________ he is making a progress.
3) John is not going to the party, ________ he wants to go.
4) Julie wants to eat out, _________ she is low on budget.
5) You are in to the game, ________ you are out of it.
6) He was scared, _________ he acted bravely.
7) Barbie was angry, _________ nobody spoke to her.
8) He had many options, _________ he chose to stay with you.
9) She is writing a letter, _________ she is going to regret it later.
10) He was sad, ________ he lost his purse.
11) They were talking, _______ no teacher was present.
12) He tried really hard, ________ failed to achieve.
13) You are driving fast, _________ we will be late for the meeting.
14) He is going through a tough time, __________ he is calm and composed.
15) You did him a favor, _________ he is returning it by helping you.
16) She is calling you continuously, ________ you are not receiving her call.
17) Teachers should always talk to a sad child, _________ he might need help.
18) He is not going to the party, _________ he will let you go.
19) Julie was sad, ___________ she presented a happy face.
20) They were composed, _________ they were calm.
MCQ Exercises
Complete the following sentences by filling in with appropriate choice given. Also, verify your answer with the answers provided at the end of the exercise.
1) I was ready to go, _________ the train got delayed.
a) for
b) but
c) and
2) He is leaving early, _________ he is feeling sick.
a) nor
b) yet
c) for
3) They are going on tour, __________ they aren’t happy.
a) so
b) yet
c) or
4) Julie is working hard, _______ her grades are improving.
a) and
b) but
c) yet
5) I didn’t want to be late, _________ I started before time.
a) for
b) so
c) yet
6) I want a large burger,_________ without cheese.
a) yet
b) nor
c) but
7) You are calling me, _________ I will go alone.
a) so
b) or
c) for
8) John is not attending the classes, _________ he turns up for the exams.
a) or
b) for
c) nor
9) Neil is a little nervous, __________ he will perform well.
a) for
b) but
c) so
10) He boarded a fast train, _________ he was late for the meeting.
a) but
b) so
c) yet
11) I took the bag out, _________ there was no money in it.
a) yet
b) for
c) so
12) The lecture may be long, ________ we may feel bored.
a) for
b) and
c) yet
13) You have to move fast, ________ you might miss the last bus.
a) and
b) for
c) or
14) They are not going to college, _________ they want to go.
a) nor
b) for
c) or
15) I like to play chess, _______ I have no time.
a) yet
b) but
c) for
16) We didn’t understand the concept, ________ we understood the design.
a) for
b) or
c) nor
17) He was angry, ________ he was cheated.
a) nor
b) for
c) yet
18) He is older, ________ he is healthy.
a) yet
b) for
c) or
19) He ate fast, ________ he was in a hurry.
a) or
b) yet
c) for
20) Julie will not cook the meal, ________ she is interested in cooking.
a) but
b) nor
c) for
Some more Fill in the Blanks Exercises
Fill the blank space in the sentences given below, to form a Compound Sentence. You can use only ‘transitional expressions’ as per the need. For many expressions, it will be correct to use coordinating conjunctions also, but for this exercise we will limit to using only transitional expressions.
1) He was getting late; ___________, he managed to be on time.
2) John is rude; ___________, nobody talks to him.
3) Some children didn’t get the sweets; __________, they enjoyed a lot.
4) They don’t want to study; _________, they want to go to college.
5) She is serious about studies; ________, she is taking extra classes.
6) He is no smarter than you; _________, he is more expressive.
7) I wouldn’t look directly to a lion; _________, the one in captivity.
8) The party was not for him alone; ________, it was for both of us.
9) He is the right man for the job; ________, he has all the required experience.
10) He loves coffee; ___________, he hates milk.
11) He is going on a long vacation; _____________, with his close friends.
12) He was badly hurt; _________, he recovered fast.
13) They scolded him for his choice; ___________, he was a little sad.
14) I was already late; __________, the train got delayed too.
15) We were already behind schedule; ________, it was getting dark outside.
16) The manager indicated a security beef up; ________ there was a guard at the entrance.
17) John needs to study all subjects; ___________, the subjects he is weak in.
18) He studies well; ____________, he scores well.
19) She likes children; ___________, she loves them.
20) Everybody listens to him; _________, he is respected by everyone.
MCQ Exercises
Complete the following sentences by filling in with appropriate choice given. Also, verify your answer with the answers provided at the end of the exercise.
1) Jack has much on hands experience; __________, he was not into the panel.
a) therefore
b) moreover
c) however
2) Students were not allowed to dance; __________, they enjoyed a lot.
a) nevertheless
b) actually
c) further
3) Oliver is studying very hard; ___________, he is trying his best.
a) therefore
b) in fact
c) alternately
4) He is not having dinner; ____________, he is staying any longer.
a) moreover
b) in fact
c) neither
5) It is recommended that you consult a doctor; __________, I insist that you do it fast.
a) further
b) either
c) neither
6) Oliver is happy today; ________, it’s his birthday today.
a) in addition to
b) besides
c) actually
7) He will not even consider it; ____________, giving his approval.
a) besides
b) let alone
c) in addition to
8) We started with few employees; __________, many more joined in.
a) besides
b) actually
c) additionally
9) He does a tough job throughout the week; __________, he enjoys the weekends.
a) alternately
b) actually
c) additionally
10) He is not very intelligent; _________, he is known for his intelligence.
a) let alone
b) on the contrary
c) not to mention
11) I didn’t call him; _________, he is out on vacation.
a) actually
b) additionally
c) besides
12) He is planning something big for the party; ________, he wants to make it a memorable event.
a) therefore
b) actually
c) besides
13) Thomas excelled in term examination; ___________, he was felicitated.
a) besides
b) moreover
c) therefore
14) Everybody wants to succeed; ____________, not everyone puts in the required effort.
a) further
b) however
c) besides
15) Students should not bring phone to school; ____________, its not allowed.
a) in fact
b) in addition to
c) moreover
16) He has a passion for success; ____________, he craves for it.
a) in addition to
b) in fact
c) therefore
17) He fed the poor free of cost; _________, a noble act of kindness.
a) moreover
b) nevertheless
c) indeed
18) He is definitely going to call her; ____________, he is going to meet her.
a) actually
b) either
c) neither
19) Charlie must be driving back to home; __________, he is not receiving your call.
a) neither
b) also
c) therefore
20) George was getting late; ___________, he patiently listened to the students.
a) moreover
b) besides
c) nevertheless
COMPLEX SENTENCES
(zdania podrzędnie złożone)
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Complex Sentence Worksheets
I. Provide a fitting subordinator to fill the gaps in these sentences.
I'm going to the bank _______ I need some money.
I made lunch _________ I got home.
________ it's raining, she's going for a walk in the park.
________ she finishes her homework soon, she will fail the class.
He decided totrust Tim ______ he was an honest man.
_______ we went to school, she decided to investigate the situation.
Jennifer decided to leave Tom _______ he was too worried about his job.
Dennis bought a new jacket __________ he had received one as a gift last week.
Brandley claims that there will be trouble _____ he doesn't complete the job.
Janice will have finished the report ____ the time you receive the letter.
II. Use subordinating conjunctions (though, if, when, because, etc.) to connect the sentences into one complex sentence.
Henry needs to learn English. I will teach him.
It was raining outside. We went for a walk.
Jenny needs to ask me. I will buy it for her.
Yvonne played golf extremely well. She was very young.
Franklin wants to get a new job. He is preparing for job interviews.
I'm writing a letter, and I'm leaving. You will find it tomorrow.
Marvin thinks he will buy the house. He just wants to know what his wife thinks.
Cindy and David had breakfast. They left for work.
I really enjoyed the concert. The music was too loud.
Alexander has been working sixty hours a week. There is an important presentation next week.
I usually work out at the gym early in the morning. I leave for work at eight a.m.
The car was extremely expensive. Bob didn't have much money. He bought the car.
Dean sometimes goes to the cinema. He enjoys going with his friend Doug. Doug visits once a month.
I prefer to watch TV by streaming over the internet. It allows me to watch what I want when I want.
Sometimes it happens that we have a lot of rain. I put the chairs on the patio in the garage when we have rain.
Compound Sentence - Zdania złożone współrzędnie - Answers
November 22, 2018
Definition with Examples
Compound sentences are the sentences in which, two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, a semicolon or a transitional expression. Independent clauses are simple sentences having a subject and verb. In compound sentences two independent but closely related clauses are joined by the methods mentioned.
To better understand the subject; first go through the following independent clauses.
* Barbara is driving. She cannot receive your call.
We will now figure out the ways for combining these two independent clauses to make a compound sentence. As we all know that both the independent clauses are talking about Barbara; therefore they are closely related to each other.
Now, if we think carefully, we will figure out that the sentences can be joined together in the following methods-
1) Barbara is driving, so she cannot receive your call.
2) Barbara is driving; she cannot receive your call.
3) Barbara is driving; therefore, she cannot receive your call.
From the above sentences we can infer that two independent clauses can be joined by – 1) joining by a comma (,) and a coordinating conjunction 2) Joining by a semicolon (;) 3) Using semicolon with a Transitional Expression.
Methods of Joining Independent Clauses to make compound Sentences
We will go through all the three methods of joining independent clauses, for making compound Sentences; with help of suitable examples and structural formula.
1) Using a Comma (,) and a Coordinating Conjunction
The Structural Formula for joining two independent clauses by using a comma (,) and Coordinating Conjunction is given below-
Independent Clause 1 + Comma (,) + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause2 = Compound Sentences
Therefore, two independent clauses can be joined by a comma, followed by a Coordinating Conjunction. English Grammar has seven coordinating Conjunctions – for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. You can remember these coordinating conjunctions by the word- FANBOYS – F (for) A (and) N (nor) B (but) O (or) Y (yet) S (so).
We will now go through a few examples, where we will join two independent clauses by the given method.
She is going to New York. She is feeling lonely.
He is getting late. He is driving slow.
Amelia doesn’t has a car. Her father doesn’t has a car.
Olivia wants to meet her parents. She has no time.
He is going to college. He is losing his attendance.
They have money. They are not content.
She was getting late. She was driving fast.
Harry ordered a burger. He was hungry.
Jacob tried his best. He couldn’t make it.
William was not feeling well. He was taken to the hospital.
Now we will join the independent clauses in the sentences given by a comma and appropriate Coordinating Conjunction; taking help from the Structural Formula and FANBOYS-
She is going to New York, for she is feeling lonely.
He is getting late, and he is driving slow.
Amelia doesn’t has a car, nor does her father.
Olivia wants to meet her parents, but she has no time.
He is going to school or he is losing his attendance.
They have money, yet they are not content.
She was getting late, so she was driving fast.
Harry ordered a burger for he was hungry.
Jacob tried his best, yet he couldn’t make it.
William was not feeling well, so he was taken to hospital.
Practice on your own, making some Compound Sentences by joining two Independent clauses by the method as explained.
2) Using a Semicolon (;)
The two independent clauses can be joined by placing a Semicolon (;) between them. The structural representation/formula is given below-
Independent Clause 1 + Semicolon (;) + Independent Clause 2 = Compound Sentence
While joining the two independent clauses by a semicolon (;), keep in mind that the word after the semicolon should start with small letters. No semicolon to be used while joining two separate compound sentences and even the sentences joined should be related to each other. Go through the below sentences-
She cooked the dinner. Harry looked after the guests.
The water is boiling. Water is hot enough for tea.
He was walking fast. He was getting late.
Amelia looked nervous. Amelia was going for the interview.
They were shouting. They were cheering their team.
The dog is furious. It is also old.
Jacob accelerated too hard. He lost control of the car.
I went to the college. I forgot to go to the library.
Thank you for your concern. We appreciate your concern.
Please go through the info book. It has everything in it.
Now, we will join the above sentences by using semicolon (;) at appropriate places between the two independent clauses as given below-
She cooked the dinner; Harry looked after the guests. (since Harry is a Name; it starts with a capital letter)
The water is boiling; it is hot enough for tea.
He was walking fast; he was getting late.
Amelia looked nervous; she was going for the interview.
They were shouting; they were cheering their team.
The dog is furious; it is also old.
Jacob accelerated too hard; he lost control of the car.
I went to the college; I forgot to go to the library.
Thank you for your concern; we appreciate it.
Please go through the info book; it has everything in it.
3) Using a Semicolon (;) with a Transitional Expression
Another method of forming a compound Sentence is by joining two independent clauses by a semicolon (;) followed by a Transitional Expression as shown in the Structural Formula below-
Independent Clause 1 + Semicolon (;) + Transitional Expression + Comma (,) + Independent Clause 2 = Compound Sentences
A transitional expression helps in determining the relation between two independent clauses; which are being joined. Most commonly used transitional expressions are – however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, further, indeed, neither, either, also, as a matter of fact, furthermore, besides, in addition to, in fact, actually, let alone, too, additionally, alternately, on the contrary, not to mention. Below we will go through separate set of independent clauses and will join them by a Transitional Expression; to form a Compound Sentence.
He missed the bus. He was late for the meeting.
He is late for the wedding. He will reach on time.
Jacob was driving an old car. Its engine got seized.
It started raining at the wedding. We had fun.
The channel forecast a thunder storm. It was raining the next day.
He is not interested in the marriage. He is not interested in the reception.
He was hungry. He had no money.
She is right. She was the only one present at the spot.
I hate to call him. I hate to hear his voice.
Evidences are against him. Be claims that he is innocent.
He is a man with influence. He has a political lineage.
Now, we will join the above sentences using appropriate Transitional Expressions and properly placing the Semicolon (;) and Comma (,) as shown in the formula-
He missed the bus; therefore, he was late for the meeting.
He is late for the wedding; however, he will reach on time.
Jacob was driving an old car; moreover, its engine got seized.
It started raining at the wedding; nevertheless, we had fun.
The channel forecast a thunderstorm; indeed, it was raining the next day.
He is not interested in the marriage; furthermore, he is not interested in the reception.
He was hungry; also, he had no money.
She is right; in fact, she was the only one present at the spot.
I hate to call him; actually, I hate to hear his voice.
Evidences are against him; on the contrary, he claims that he is innocent.
He is a man with influence; not to mention, he has a political lineage.
Try forming more Compound Sentences by using Transitional Expressions; on your own.
Exercises With Answers
Correct/Incorrect Worksheet/Exercises/Activities On Compound Sentences with Answers:
State whether the following compound statements are correct or incorrect, based on the coordinating conjunctions or transitional interjections, semicolon (;). Check your progress with the answers provided in the end.
1) He was getting late he; hurried to office.
2) He is sick; therefore, he didn’t attend the meeting.
3) She had to go to her home town so she left a little early.
4) He is a good student; therefore, he was also active in sports.
5) She loved children; however, she had no time to play with them.
6) She cooked dinner. He did the dishes.
7) The tea is hot and its also raining outside.
8) She was happy; therefore, she was singing.
9) She stayed alone for she never felt lonely.
10) He was nervous; therefore, he was not allowed to give the speech.
Answers-
1)incorrect, 2)correct, 3)incorrect, 4)correct, 5)correct, 6)incorrect, 7)incorrect, 8)correct, 9)incorrect, 10)correct
1) He was getting late, so he hurried to office.
3) She had to go to her hometown, so she left a little early.
6) She cooked dinner; he did the dishes.
7) The tea is hot, and it is also raining outside.
9) She stayed alone; yet, she never felt alone.
Fill In The Blanks Exercises With Answers
Fill the blank space in the sentences given below, to form a Compound Sentence. You can use coordinating conjunctions as per the need. For many expressions, it will be correct to use transitional expressions also, but for this exercise we will limit to using only coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS).Cross check your answer with the answers given in the end of the exercise.
1) I requested him many time, _________ he did not relent (zmięknąć).
2) He is working hard, ___________ he is making a progress.
3) John is not going to the party, ________ he wants to go.
4) Julie wants to eat out, _________ she is low on budget.
5) You are in to the game, ________ you are out of it.
6) He was scared, _________ he acted bravely.
7) Barbie was angry, _________ nobody spoke to her.
8) He had many options, _________ he chose to stay with you.
9) She is writing a letter, _________ she is going to regret it later.
10) He was sad, ________ he lost his purse.
11) They were talking, _______ no teacher was present.
12) He tried really hard, ________ failed to achieve.
13) You are driving fast, _________ we will be late for the meeting.
14) He is going through a tough time, __________ he is calm and composed.
15) You did him a favor, _________ he is returning it by helping you.
16) She is calling you continuously, ________ you are not receiving her call.
17) Teachers should always talk to a sad child, _________ he might need help.
18) He is not going to the party, _________ he will let you go.
19) Julie was sad, ___________ she presented a happy face.
20) They were composed, _________ they were calm.
Answers- 1)but, 2)and, 3)nor, 4)but, 5)or, 6)yet, 7)so, 8)yet, 9)or, 10)for, 11)as, 12)but, 13)or, 14)yet, 15)so, 16)for, 17)for, 18)nor, 19)yet, 20)yet
MCQ Exercises With Answers
Complete the following sentences by filling in with appropriate choice given. Also, verify your answer with the answers provided at the end of the exercise.
1) I was ready to go, _________ the train got delayed.
a) for
b) but
c) and
2) He is leaving early, _________ he is feeling sick.
a) nor
b) yet
c) for
3) They are going on tour, __________ they aren’t happy.
a) so
b) yet
c) or
4) Julie is working hard, _______ her grades are improving.
a) and
b) but
c) yet
5) I didn’t want to be late, _________ I started before time.
a) for
b) so
c) yet
6) I want a large burger,_________ without cheese.
a) yet
b) nor
c) but
7) You are calling me, _________ I will go alone.
a) so
b) or
c) for
8) John is not attending the classes, _________ he turns up for the exams.
a) or
b) for
c) nor
9) Neil is a little nervous, __________ he will perform well.
a) for
b) but
c) so
10) He boarded a fast train, _________ he was late for the meeting.
a) but
b) so
c) yet
11) I took the bag out, _________ there was no money in it.
a) yet
b) for
c) so
12) The lecture may be long, ________ we may feel bored.
a) for
b) and
c) yet
13) You have to move fast, ________ you might miss the last bus.
a) and
b) for
c) or
14) They are not going to college, _________ they want to go.
a) nor
b) for
c) or
15) I like to play chess, _______ I have no time.
a) yet
b) but
c) for
16) We didn’t understand the concept, ________ we understood the design.
a) for
b) or
c) nor
17) He was angry, ________ he was cheated.
a) nor
b) for
c) yet
18) He is older, ________ he is healthy.
a) yet
b) for
c) or
19) He ate fast, ________ he was in a hurry.
a) or
b) yet
c) for
20) Julie will not cook the meal, ________ she is interested in cooking.
a) but
b) nor
c) for
Answers- 1)b, 2)c, 3)b, 4)a, 5)b, 6)c, 7)b, 8)c, 9)b, 10)c, 11)a, 12)b, 13)c, 14)a, 15)b, 16)c, 17)b, 18)a, 19)c, 20)b
Some more Fill in the Blanks Exercises With Answers
Fill the blank space in the sentences given below, to form a Compound Sentence. You can use only ‘transitional expressions’ as per the need. For many expressions, it will be correct to use coordinating conjunctions also, but for this exercise we will limit to using only transitional expressions. Cross check your answer with the answers given in the end of the exercise.
1) He was getting late; ___________, he managed to be on time.
2) John is rude; ___________, nobody talks to him.
3) Some children didn’t get the sweets; __________, they enjoyed a lot.
4) They don’t want to study; _________, they want to go to college.
5) She is serious about studies; ________, she is taking extra classes.
6) He is no smarter than you; _________, he is more expressive.
7) I wouldn’t look directly to a lion; _________, the one in captivity.
8) The party was not for him alone; ________, it was for both of us.
9) He is the right man for the job; ________, he has all the required experience.
10) He loves coffee; ___________, he hates milk.
11) He is going on a long vacation; _____________, with his close friends.
12) He was badly hurt; _________, he recovered fast.
13) They scolded him for his choice; ___________, he was a little sad.
14) I was already late; __________, the train got delayed too.
15) We were already behind schedule; ________, it was getting dark outside.
16) The manager indicated a security beef up; ________ there was a guard at the entrance.
17) John needs to study all subjects; ___________, the subjects he is weak in.
18) He studies well; ____________, he scores well.
19) She likes children; ___________, she loves them.
20) Everybody listens to him; _________, he is respected by everyone.
Answers- 1) however, 2) Therefore, 3) Nevertheless, 4) Neither, 5) in fact, 6) besides, 7) Let alone, 8) Actually, 9) Additionally, 10) On the contrary, 11) Not to mention, 12) However, 13) Therefore, 14) Moreover, 15) Further, 16) Indeed, 17) let alone, 18) Therefore, 19) In fact, 20) Besides
MCQ Exercises With Answers
Complete the following sentences by filling in with appropriate choice given. Also, verify your answer with the answers provided at the end of the exercise.
1) Jack has much on hands experience; __________, he was not into the panel.
a) therefore
b) moreover
c) however
2) Students were not allowed to dance; __________, they enjoyed a lot.
a) nevertheless
b) actually
c) further
3) Oliver is studying very hard; ___________, he is trying his best.
a) therefore
b) in fact
c) alternately
4) He is not having dinner; ____________, he is staying any longer.
a) moreover
b) in fact
c) neither
5) It is recommended that you consult a doctor; __________, I insist that you do it fast.
a) further
b) either
c) neither
6) Oliver is happy today; ________, it’s his birthday today.
a) in addition to
b) besides
c) actually
7) He will not even consider it; ____________, giving his approval.
a) besides
b) let alone
c) in addition to
8) We started with few employees; __________, many more joined in.
a) besides
b) actually
c) additionally
9) He does a tough job throughout the week; __________, he enjoys the weekends.
a) alternately
b) actually
c) additionally
10) He is not very intelligent; _________, he is known for his intelligence.
a) let alone
b) on the contrary
c) not to mention
11) I didn’t call him; _________, he is out on vacation.
a) actually
b) additionally
c) besides
12) He is planning something big for the party; ________, he wants to make it a memorable event.
a) therefore
b) actually
c) besides
13) Thomas excelled in term examination; ___________, he was felicitated.
a) besides
b) moreover
c) therefore
14) Everybody wants to succeed; ____________, not everyone puts in the required effort.
a) further
b) however
c) besides
15) Students should not bring phone to school; ____________, its not allowed.
a) in fact
b) in addition to
c) moreover
16) He has a passion for success; ____________, he craves for it.
a) in addition to
b) in fact
c) therefore
17) He fed the poor free of cost; _________, a noble act of kindness.
a) moreover
b) nevertheless
c) indeed
18) He is definitely going to call her; ____________, he is going to meet her.
a) actually
b) either
c) neither
19) Charlie must be driving back to home; __________, he is not receiving your call.
a) neither
b) also
c) therefore
20) George was getting late; ___________, he patiently listened to the students.
a) moreover
b) besides
c) nevertheless
Answers- 1)c, 2)a, 3)b, 4)c, 5)a, 6)b, 7)b, 8)c, 9)a, 10)b, 11)c, 12)b, 13)c, 14)b, 15)c, 16)b, 17)c, 18)b, 19)c, 20)c
COMPLEX SENTENCES - Zdania złożone podrzędnie - ANSWERS
Complex sentences are made up of two clauses—an independent clause and a dependent clause.
Independent clauses are similar to simple sentences. They can stand alone and function as a sentence:
We didn't pass the test.
Angela won the competition.
Dependent clauses, however, need to be used together with an independent clause. Here are some dependent clauses with independent clauses. Notice how they seem incomplete:
Although he is ready.
When it is done.
Independent clauses are combined with dependent clauses to make sense.
We'll go to the bank because we need some money.
As soon as we land, I'll give you a call.
Notice that dependent clauses can come first. In this case, we use a comma.
Before she comes, we'll eat some lunch.
Because he's late for work, he took a taxi.
Writing Complex Sentences Using Subordinating Conjunctions
Complex sentences are written by using subordinating conjunctions to connect the two clauses.
Showing Opposition or Unexpected Results
Use these three subordinating conjunctions to show that there is a pro and con or to contrast statements.
although / even though / though
Although I felt he was wrong, I decided to trust him.
Sharon started looking for a new job even though she was currently employed.
Though I couldn't understand a word, we had a great time!
Showing Cause and Effect
To give reasons use these conjunctions that keep the same meaning.
because / since / as
Since you need some help, I'll come over this afternoon.
Henry felt he needed to take some time off because he had been working so hard.
The parents paid for extra lessons as the children were very gifted.
Expressing Time
There are a number of subordinating conjunctions that express time. Note that the simple tense (present simple or past simple) is generally used in dependent clauses beginning with time subordinators.
when / as soon as / before / after / by
By the time you get this letter, I will have left for New York.
I used to play a lot of tennis when I was a teenager.
We had a wonderful dinner after she had arrived.
Expressing Conditions
Use these subordinators to express that something depends on a condition.
if / unless / in the case that
If I were you, I would take my time with that project.
They won't come next week unless you ask them to do so.
In the case that he isn't available, we'll look for another consultant.
Complex Sentence Worksheets
Provide a fitting subordinator to fill the gaps in these sentences.
I'm going to the bank _______ I need some money.
I made lunch _________ I got home.
________ it's raining, she's going for a walk in the park.
________ she finishes her homework soon, she will fail the class.
He decided to trust Tim ______ he was an honest man.
_______ we went to school, she decided to investigate the situation.
Jennifer decided to leave Tom _______ he was too worried about his job.
Dennis bought a new jacket __________ he had received one as a gift last week.
Brandley claims that there will be trouble _____ he doesn't complete the job.
Janice will have finished the report ____ the time you receive the letter.
Answers
because / since / as
after / when / as soon as
although / even though / though
unless
because / since / as
before / when
because / since / as
although / even though / though
if / in the case that
by
Use subordinating conjunctions (though, if, when, because, etc.) to connect the sentences into one complex sentence.
Henry needs to learn English. I will teach him.
It was raining outside. We went for a walk.
Jenny needs to ask me. I will buy it for her.
Yvonne played golf extremely well. She was very young.
Franklin wants to get a new job. He is preparing for job interviews.
I'm writing a letter, and I'm leaving. You will find it tomorrow.
Marvin thinks he will buy the house. He just wants to know what his wife thinks.
Cindy and David had breakfast. They left for work.
I really enjoyed the concert. The music was too loud.
Alexander has been working sixty hours a week. There is an important presentation next week.
I usually work out at the gym early in the morning. I leave for work at eight a.m.
The car was extremely expensive. Bob didn't have much money. He bought the car.
Dean sometimes goes to the cinema. He enjoys going with his friend Doug. Doug visits once a month.
I prefer to watch TV by streaming over the internet. It allows me to watch what I want when I want.
Sometimes it happens that we have a lot of rain. I put the chairs on the patio in the garage when we have rain.
There are other variations that are possible than those provided in the answers. Ask your teacher for other ways to connect these to write complex sentences.
As Henry needs to learn English, I will teach him.
We went for a walk even though it was raining.
If Jenny asks me, I will buy it for her.
Yvonne played golf extremely well when she was young.
Because Franklin wants to get a new job, he is preparing for job interviews.
I'm writing you this letter which you will find after I leave.
Unless his wife doesn't like the house, Marvin will buy it.
After Cindy and David had eaten breakfast, they left for work.
I really enjoyed the concert although the music was too loud.
As Alexander has an important presentation next week, he has been working sixty hours a week.
I usually work out at the gym before I leave for work at eight.
Though Bob didn't have much money, he bought the extremely expensive car.
If Doug visits, they go to the cinema.
Since it allows me to watch what I want when I want, I prefer to watch TV by streaming over the internet.
If it rains a lot, I put the chairs on the patio in the garage.