MAP 6th Grade Language Usage

A comprehensive course covering grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and writing skills for 6th graders preparing for the MAP test.

Advanced Topics

Complex Sentences and Clauses

Mastering Complex Sentences

Complex sentences make your writing richer and more interesting. They combine an independent clause (a complete thought) and one or more dependent clauses (incomplete thoughts).

How to Build Complex Sentences

  • Use subordinating conjunctions like "because," "although," or "since."
  • Make sure the dependent clause is connected to the main idea.

Punctuation Rules

If the dependent clause comes first, add a comma. If it comes second, you usually don't need a comma.

Real-World Application

Complex sentences help you explain ideas, give reasons, or show cause and effect in your writing.

Examples

  • Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

  • She went to the park after she finished her homework.

In a Nutshell

Complex sentences connect ideas and show relationships between them.

Key Terms

Clause
A group of words with a subject and a predicate.
Subordinating Conjunction
A word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause.