Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________________ Period: _______

Complex Sentence Test

Part 1: Identifying, labeling, and punctuating sentences.
Directions: Decide if the sentence is complex. If the sentence is complex, label it CX. If the
sentence IS NOT complex, leave the line blank.
Highlight and label the subordinate and independent clauses and circle the subordinating
conjunction.
Finally, add the proper punctuation if needed.

1. Unless we work together we will never beat our opponents. __________

2. My mother will pick us up when we are ready to leave the party. __________

3. Suzy earned a scholarship because she studied every day. __________

4. Before the assembly he received a detention. __________

5. Although it rained yesterday the baseball team played anyway. _________

6. I will make your dinner before the movie begins. __________

7. If the teachers, students, and principal all agree the talent show will be
held on Monday. __________

8. After our class won the contest our picture was in the paper. __________
 9. The team waved goodbye to the cheering fans as they boarded the bus. __________

10. We went for pizza after the game. __________

Part 2: Combining sentences

Directions: Combine the two sentences to make one complete sentence. Pay close attention to
whether you should start the sentence with a subordinate or independent clause. You may only
use a subordinate conjunction once!

Begin these sentences with a subordinate conjunction

11. I finished my homework. I went outside to play.

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12. I obtained a credit card. I began spending money recklessly!

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Begin these sentences with an independent clause.

13. My sister made dinner. My mom prepared dessert.

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 14. The class complained. The teacher told the students to take notes.
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Part 3: Writing complex sentences

Directions: Write two complex sentences using different subordinating conjunctions. One
sentence must have the subordinate clause first, and one sentence must have the independent
clause first. You may NOT flip your sentences! They will be marked incorrect. Be sure to use
proper capitalization and punctuation.

15. ________________________________________________________________________

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16. ________________________________________________________________________

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What do you call Santa when

he works by himself?

An Independent Clause