Home > English Language Arts Worksheets > Complex Sentences

These activity sheets will teach your students how to identify different types of clauses (independent vs. dependent), the difference between compound and complex sentences, what kinds of words signal dependent clauses, and more. Answer keys have been provided for each activity sheet (be aware that some answers may vary). Note: A collection of worksheets that focus specifically on clauses is available elsewhere on this site. Instructors may want to use those in their curriculum first.

Fun Fact: Jonathan Coe's The Rotters' Club currently holds the world record for the longest sentence, which contains 13,955 words. Talk about complex!

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Print Complex Sentences Worksheets

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In a Sentence

A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. In each of the sentences below, find and underline the independent clauses.

Smack Into Each Other

Combine each set of sentences below to create a new sentence. Use the word in parentheses to combine the sentences.

Grow Them Up

Change the simple sentences below into system wide sentences.

Independent and Subordinate Clauses

A subordinate clause (dependent clause) does not express a complete thought, and must be attached to a main clause.

Indicate Relationship

Read each set of sentences below. Create a sentence that will signal to the reader that the sentence in parentheses is the most important.

Creating New Sentences

Connect each of the following sentences to a related, independent clause to create a solid sentence. Use words like after, although, who, which, when, until, when, so that, or since.

Two Part Task

Underline the subordinate clauses in each sentence below. Add a comma where necessary.

Adverbial Clauses

Write 5 original sentences. Include an adverbial clause for each as indicated in parentheses.

Sentence Seedlings

Use the subordinate clauses below as “seedlings” to grow them into full fledged complex sentences. Write your sentence in the box.

Starter Sentences

If it is a simple or compound sentence, rewrite it, adding or changing information to turn it into a sophisticated sentence.

Grow a Bigger Sentence

Use your imagination to turn the simple sentences below into a complete and complex one by adding subordinate clauses.

Compound or Complex?

Check the correct box to indicate the type of sentence.

Where is That Comma?

Underline the subordinate clauses in each sentence below. Add a comma where necessary.

What Kind of Sentence Is It?

Identify each sentence as either compound or complex.

Creating Sophisticated Sentences

Change the simple sentences below into complete sentences.