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• A Dependent Clause is a group of words with a subject and verb; it must be connected to an
independent clause
• An Independent Clause is a group of words with both a subject and verb; it is a complete sentence by
itself
• Subordinating Conjunctions and Relative Pronouns usually come at the beginning of a dependent
clause:
Practice 1: Write D if the clause is dependent and I if the clause is independent. For dependent clauses,
circle the word that makes the clause dependent.
1. _______ Who spoke with a high, loud voice. 5. _______ They stood there with their hats on.
2. _______ He imagined himself walking down the street. 6. _______ Since it is such a beautiful day.
3. _______ Although no one spoke. 7. _______ That she decided to go home.
4. _______ Rather than covering up the mistake. 8. _______ If she had come to school.
• Compound sentences consist of two or more simple sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction
(for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
o I bought an interesting book, but it was really expensive.
• Complex sentences consist of one or more independent clauses joined to dependent clauses. The more
important idea is expressed by the independent clause.
o I bought an interesting book even that was interesting even though it was expensive.
Practice 3: Use a coordinating conjunction to join each pair of simple sentences into a compound sentence.
4. The government will find a solution to the economic crisis. People may lose their money and become
poor.
5. Cell phones should not be allowed in school. They should not be allowed in the workplace.
Practice 4: Join the following sentences into complex sentences using a relative pronoun or subordinating
conjunction. Remember, the most important idea should be the independent clause.
3. The company will hire an employee. The employee should speak Spanish.
4. It is important to save money for the future. You should still enjoy your money when you earn it.
5. It is beneficial to find an exciting career. Its boss should be willing to work with his or her employees.
Practice 5: Write a paragraph answering the question below. You must use at least 2 simple sentences, 2
compound sentences, and 2 complex sentences in your response.
How do movies or television influence people’s behavior?