Every sentence contains one main clause. A complex sentence contains one main clause and one or more subordinate (less important) clauses.
Example: Milo is happy when he rides his bicycle.
A complex sentence has an main or independent clause (a clause in a sentence that can stand on its own) and a subordinate or dependent clause ( a clause that is not a complete sentence; it cannot stand on its won). Observe the sentence below and you will notice that a dependent clause starts with so, because, since, etc.
Example: The boy is happy because he got a new bicycle.
The dependent clause “he got a new bicycle” starts with because.
A conjunction like and, or, so and but also connects two clauses.
Examples:
- Milo likes riding his bicycle but hates roller blading.
- Milo rides down the hill and then around the savannah.
- Milo can decide to ride his bicycle around the park or across the village.
- A storm was coming so Milo rode is bicycle quickly.
Now, it is time for some exercises.
