Which of the following is a complex sentence? A. I simply cannot make heads or tails of rap lyrics, but I suppose I'm just too old to understand them. B. As Jake was reading the email from June yet again, the flight attendant coughed gently to get his attention. C. Check out the editorial page in today's paper and you'll notice the piece by George Will. D. I would like to visit the Kinshasa, but I understand the city is unsafe for foreigners. Show As Jake was reading the letter from June yet again, the flight attendant coughed gently to get his attention- is a complex sentence. Asked 9/3/2017 2:23:09 PM Updated 9/3/2017 4:38:11 PM 0 Answers/Comments This answer has been confirmed as correct and helpful. Edited by Masamune [9/3/2017 4:38:10 PM] Rating There are no new answers. This Page Includes...What Is a Complex Sentence? (with Examples)A complex sentence is a sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. An independent clause (unlike a dependent clause) can stand alone as a�sentence. Examples of Complex SentencesBelow are examples of complex sentences. In each example, the independent clause is shaded. The dependent clause is unshaded.
Subordinating Conjunctions in Complex SentencesThe word used to link an independent clause to a dependent clause is called a subordinating conjunction. The most common subordinating conjunctions are although, because, before, even though, if, since, until, and when. In these examples of complex sentences, the subordinating conjunctions are shown in bold.
The role of a subordinating conjunction and the dependent clause is to establish a time, a place, a reason, a condition, a concession, or a comparison for the main clause. (NB: Dependent clauses are also known as a subordinate clauses.) Read more about subordinating conjunctions. Video LessonHere is a short video explaining what we mean by complex sentence.
The Four Types of Sentence StructureA complex sentence is one of four main sentence structures, all of which are shown below. In these examples, the independent clauses are shaded. A Complex Sentence. A complex sentence has an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. For example:
A Compound Sentence. A compound sentence has at least two independent clauses. For example:
A Simple Sentence. A simple sentence has just one independent clause. For example:
A Compound-Complex Sentence. �A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. For example:
Why Complex Sentences Are ImportantThere are two noteworthy issues related to complex sentences. (Issue 1) Use a comma after a fronted adverbial.Learning how to spot a complex sentence is useful because it helps with punctuating sentences correctly. In particular, it helps with deciding whether to use a comma with the dependent clause. When your dependent clause is at the front and acts like an adverb � typically stating a time (e.g., When it's ready), a place (e.g., Where they live), or a condition (e.g., If you were in my shoes) � then it is usual to use a comma after the dependent clause to show where the independent clause starts. When such a clause appears at the back of your sentence, it is usually not offset with a comma. In these examples, the independent clauses are shaded.
So, the guidance is as follows:
(Issue 2) Uh oh, there's more to Issue 1. Unfortunately, there is a little more to Issue 1 than stated. The comma really determines whether the clause is
restrictive or non-restrictive. However, the simple rule given at Issue 1 will satisfy 99% of situations. Read more about using commas with independent and dependent clauses (see Points 3 and 4). Learning the other sentence structures will also help with punctuating sentences correctly. Printable TestHelp Us Improve Grammar Monster
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