Complex sentences — English writing skills for kids
A complex sentence has a main clause, which makes sense on its own, and a subordinate clause, which starts with a word like because, although, if, when, since, who, which or that and cannot stand alone. This lesson also mixes all three kinds — simple, compound and complex — so it is the practice for Part 4.
One clause leans on the other — “a complex sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause that cannot stand alone”
Find the clause that starts with because, although, if, when, since, who, which or that — the subordinate clause (When the rain stopped). On its own it is not a complete sentence.
The rest is the main clause (we went out to play): it makes complete sense alone.
Choose the joining word by meaning: because → a reason, although → a surprise, if → a condition, when → a time, since → from a time until now, who → a person, which → a thing, that → what someone says, thinks or knows.
Sort any sentence: one clause → simple; two main clauses → compound; a main clause + a subordinate clause → complex.
Use it for: Grammar tests in Class 6–9 (“identify the clause”, “simple, compound or complex?”) and richer sentences in essays and stories.
Worked example: What is the main clause in this sentence? → we went out to play
The sentence: When the rain stopped, we went out to play.
“When the rain stopped” starts with when and cannot stand alone — it is the subordinate clause. The rest makes sense on its own, so it is the main clause.
Check: “We went out to play.” works alone; “When the rain stopped.” does not ✓
Read every choice carefully, then tap the one that is written correctly. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.
Right: 0 · Tried: 0
🏁 Lesson 27 test
20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.
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🏛️ Clause Commander badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 3 lessons of
Part 4 · Sentence structure. You can still take the test without signing in.
🖨️ Simple, Compound and Complex Sentences Worksheet
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