Complex Sentence Exercises: Download PDF (For Free)

Complex sentence exercises: Complex sentences are those which are made up of one independent clause and one dependent clause. An independent clause is a complete thought while, dependent clauses are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as because, although, when, if, since, etc. In this blog, we will go through some complex sentence exercises and how they are formed. Keep reading this blog to practice your knowledge on this topic and use it in the formation of sentences.

What are Complex Sentences?

Before we practice diverse questions from Complex Sentence exercises, let us understand the definition of complex sentences with examples.

To explain in simple words, a complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Now you must be wondering what is independent and dependent clauses. Well, let’s take a look. 

• Independent clause: A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence.   
• Dependent clause: A clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and needs to be connected to an independent clause.

Here’s an example:

• Independent clause: I like to eat pizza.
• Dependent clause: Because it tastes delicious.

When we combine these two, we get a complex sentence:

“I like to eat pizza because it tastes delicious.”

Take a look at the image which gives the perfect explanation of complex sentences.

Credits: Robert Teachers English

Complex Sentences Exercises 

Now that you have gone through all the basic information about complex sentences and how they are formed. Let us go through some exercises on the same which will be helpful for you. 

Exercise 1: Identify Independent and Dependent Clauses

Instructions: Underline the independent clause and circle the dependent clause in each sentence.

1. Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
2. Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
3. When the phone rang, I answered it.
4. If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
5. Since it was a holiday, we went to the beach.
6. Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus.
7. Whenever I feel stressed, I listen to music.
8. Because she was sick, she didn’t go to school.
9. If you want to lose weight, you should exercise regularly.
10. After he finished his homework, he played video games.

Check Answers:

1. Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
2. Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
3. When the phone rang, I answered it.
4. If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
5. Since it was a holiday, we went to the beach.
6. Unless you hurry, you will miss the bus.
7. Whenever I feel stressed, I listen to music.
8. Because she was sick, she didn’t go to school.
9. If you want to lose weight, you should exercise regularly.
10. After he finished his homework, he played video games.

Exercise 2: Complex Sentence Formation

Instructions: Combine each pair of sentences into a complex sentence, using the subordinating conjunction provided.

1. I was hungry. I ate a sandwich. (because)
2. The sun was shining. We went for a swim. (since)
3. She didn’t study. She failed the test. (because)
4. The movie was boring. We left early. (because)
5. You work hard. You will succeed. (if)
6. I was tired. I went to bed early. (because)
7. I was sleepy. I went to bed. (because)
8. The weather was bad. We stayed home. (since)
9. She didn’t feel well. She didn’t go to school. (because)
10. The food was delicious. We ate a lot. (because)

Answers:

1. Because I was hungry, I ate a sandwich.
2. Since the sun was shining, we went for a swim.
3. Because she didn’t study, she failed the test.
4. Because the movie was boring, we left early.
5. If you work hard, you will succeed.
6. Because I was sleepy, I went to bed.
7. Since the weather was bad, we stayed home.
8. Because she didn’t feel well, she didn’t go to school.
9. Because the food was delicious, we ate a lot.

Also Read: Simple Compound and Complex Sentences Worksheet

Complex Sentences Exercises

Here is a different set of questions on complex sentences which will help you enhance your knowledge on this topic.

Exercise 1: Convert to Complex Sentences

Instructions: Convert the following simple sentences into complex sentences.

1. The children laughed.
2. He is sleeping. 
3. The sun set.
4. She cried.
5. The bell rang. 
6. The celebrated.
7. He sings beautifully.
8. The children are studying. 
9. The baby cried.
10. He left the office. 

Answers:

1. The children laughed when they saw the clown.
2. He is sleeping because he is tired. 
3. The sun set after they arrived home.
4. She cried because she lost her diamond earrings. 
5. The bell rang after class ended. 
6. They celebrated because it was her birthday.
7. He sings beautifully because he practices often.
8. The children are studying while their teacher is teaching. 
9. The baby cried because she was hungry. 
10. He left the office because he was unhappy with the work environment.

Exercise 2: Sentence Formation

Instructions: Combine each set of simple sentences into one complex sentence.

1. She will get good marks. It is certain. 
2. He is dead. The news is not true. 
3. He will not pass this year. It is certain. 
4. You say so. It is not correct.
5. Where did he go? No one knows.
6. I shall be back on Sunday. I expect this.
7. You are a liar. This is known to all. 
8. The two students quarrelled. I want to know the reason. 
9. She may be innocent. I do not know. 
10. God is omnipresent. Every religion teaches us.

Check Your Answers:

1. It is certain that she will get good marks.
2. The news that he is dead is not true.
3. It is certain that he will not pass this year.
4. What you say is not correct.
5. No one knows where he went.
6. I expect to be back on Sunday.
7. It is known to all that you are a liar.
8. I want to know the reason why the two students quarrelled.
9. I do not know whether she may be innocent.
10. Every religion teaches us that God is omnipresent.

Also Read: Examples of Abstract Noun in Sentences

Complex Sentences Worksheet (PDF)

If you are looking for some more practice exercises on complex exercises, worry not, we have got you. Take a look at the PDF below to practice your knowledge. You can check your performance with the help of the answers given below. 

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