1. Because the rain was pouring, we stayed inside and played board games.
* Independent Clause: We stayed inside and played board games. (This clause can stand alone as a complete thought.)
* Dependent Clause: Because the rain was pouring. (This clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought and needs the independent clause to make sense.)
* Subordinating Conjunction: Because (this connects the dependent clause to the independent clause)
2. The hikers, who were exhausted after the long climb, decided to rest for a while.
* Independent Clause: The hikers decided to rest for a while.
* Dependent Clause: who were exhausted after the long climb. (This is a relative clause, adding extra information about the hikers.)
* Relative Pronoun: who (this connects the dependent clause to the independent clause)
3. Although he was tired, he finished the marathon.
* Independent Clause: He finished the marathon.
* Dependent Clause: Although he was tired.
* Subordinating Conjunction: Although (this introduces a contrasting idea)
4. If you want to go to the party, you need to RSVP by Friday.
* Independent Clause: You need to RSVP by Friday.
* Dependent Clause: If you want to go to the party.
* Subordinating Conjunction: If (this introduces a condition)
5. The house, which was built in the 19th century, has beautiful stained glass windows.
* Independent Clause: The house has beautiful stained glass windows.
* Dependent Clause: which was built in the 19th century. (Another relative clause, providing extra information about the house.)
* Relative Pronoun: which
6. While she was studying, her roommate was listening to music.
* Independent Clause: Her roommate was listening to music.
* Dependent Clause: While she was studying.
* Subordinating Conjunction: While (this introduces a simultaneous action)
7. Unless you have a ticket, you can't enter the concert.
* Independent Clause: You can't enter the concert.
* Dependent Clause: Unless you have a ticket.
* Subordinating Conjunction: Unless (this introduces a negative condition)
General Characteristics of Complex Sentences:
* At least one independent clause and one dependent clause.
* A subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun connecting the clauses.
* Expresses a more complex thought than a simple sentence.
These are just a few examples, and complex sentences can be combined in many different ways to create a wide range of meanings.