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Complex Sentence Building

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Complex Sentence Building

A subordinating conjunction links a dependent clause to a main clause. Because shows cause, when shows time, and although shows a contrast. If the dependent clause comes first, place a comma after it.

Spot the conjunction

Choose the subordinating conjunction in each sentence.

1.In “Dylan packed a raincoat because dark clouds were gathering,” which word introduces the dependent clause?

packed
because
clouds

2.In “When the curtain rose, the audience became quiet,” which word is the subordinating conjunction?

curtain
audience
When

3.In “Although the track was muddy, the runners kept going,” which word introduces the contrast?

track
Although
going

Choose a conjunction

Select the conjunction that makes the relationship between the ideas clear.

4.The footpath was flooded. We took a different route. Choose the best conjunction to show the reason.

because
when
although

5.The final whistle blew. The spectators cheered. Choose the best conjunction to show when the cheering happened.

although
when
because

6.The recipe looked complicated. Zach tried making it. Choose the best conjunction to show a contrast.

when
because
although

Build complex sentences

Join each pair of ideas using the conjunction provided. More than one word order may be correct.

7.Combine these ideas using because: The class moved indoors. A storm was approaching.

8.Combine these ideas using although: The bus was late. We arrived before the performance began.

9.Combine these ideas using when: The lights dimmed. The play began.

Name the relationship

Read each sentence and identify whether the conjunction signals cause, time or contrast.

10.“Because the museum was closing, the group headed for the exit.” What relationship does because show?

Cause
Time
Contrast

11.“When the tide turned, the kayakers returned to shore.” What relationship does when show?

Cause
Time
Contrast

12.“Although the puzzle was tricky, Hudson solved it without help.” What relationship does although show?

Cause
Time
Contrast

Match the ideas

Match each pair of ideas to the conjunction that best expresses its relationship.

13.Match each numbered pair with the conjunction that fits: (1) The oven timer rang. Anh took out the muffins. (2) The path was steep. The hikers continued climbing. (3) The team practised every afternoon. They improved their passing.

1. The oven timer rang. Anh took out the muffins.
2. The path was steep. The hikers continued climbing.
3. The team practised every afternoon. They improved their passing.

C. when
A. because
B. although

Expand a paragraph

Rewrite the paragraph, combining some ideas with subordinating conjunctions. Keep the events and meaning clear.

14.Rewrite this paragraph using at least two of the conjunctions because, when and although: “On Saturday, the neighbourhood held a book swap. The hall was busy. People brought books they had finished reading. A few shelves became crowded. Volunteers made extra space. Everyone found something interesting.”