What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Complex sentences contain an independent clause and at least one subordinate (dependent) clause joined by a subordinating conjunction

Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since, while, unless) show the relationship between clauses

Verb tense must remain consistent throughout a piece of writing unless there is a reason to shift

Active voice (subject performs the action) is generally clearer and more direct than passive voice

Key Vocabulary

Complex sentence

A sentence with an independent clause and at least one subordinate clause

Subordinate clause

A clause that cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for full meaning

Subordinating conjunction

A word that introduces a subordinate clause (e.g. because, although, while, since)

Tense consistency

Keeping the same verb tense throughout a piece of writing unless a change is needed

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Identify the subordinate clause in: "Although it was raining, we decided to go outside."

"we decided to go outside" "Although it was raining" "it was raining, we decided" "to go outside"

Question 2

Which sentence uses active voice?

The cake was eaten by the students. The ball was kicked. The dog chased the cat across the yard. The window was broken by the child.

Question 3

Which sentence contains a tense consistency error?

She walked to the park and sat on the bench. He runs every morning and swims in the afternoons. They climbed the hill and admired the view. She opened the door, looks inside, and screamed.

Grammar Review