Let's solve this step-by-step.
Task:
Underline the
main clause in each sentence.
A
complex sentence has:
- One
main clause (independent clause) – can stand alone as a complete sentence.
- One or more
subordinate clauses (dependent clauses) – cannot stand alone; they depend on the main clause.
We need to identify and underline the
main clause in each sentence.
---
1. Even though he liked soccer, he never played it with his friends.
- Subordinate clause: *"Even though he liked soccer"* (starts with "even though" – dependent)
- Main clause: *"he never played it with his friends"* → This can stand alone.
✔ Main clause: *he never played it with his friends*
---
2. He played on the computer after he ate dinner.
- Subordinate clause: *"after he ate dinner"* (starts with "after" – dependent)
- Main clause: *"He played on the computer"* → Can stand alone.
✔ Main clause: *He played on the computer*
---
3. Ever since he lived in the new house, he has made it to work on time.
- Subordinate clause: *"Ever since he lived in the new house"* (time expression starting with "ever since" – dependent)
- Main clause: *"he has made it to work on time"* → Independent.
✔ Main clause: *he has made it to work on time*
---
4. Becca never has desert until her father has had some.
- Subordinate clause: *"until her father has had some"* (starts with "until" – dependent)
- Main clause: *"Becca never has desert"* → Can stand alone.
✔ Main clause: *Becca never has desert*
---
5. Simon bought a new car because he got a pay rise.
- Subordinate clause: *"because he got a pay rise"* (reason, dependent)
- Main clause: *"Simon bought a new car"* → Independent.
✔ Main clause: *Simon bought a new car*
---
6. When houses get cheaper, I'm going to buy one.
- Subordinate clause: *"When houses get cheaper"* (time condition, dependent)
- Main clause: *"I'm going to buy one"* → Can stand alone.
✔ Main clause: *I'm going to buy one*
---
7. Trish decided to quit baseball because she wasn't very good.
- Subordinate clause: *"because she wasn't very good"* (reason, dependent)
- Main clause: *"Trish decided to quit baseball"* → Independent.
✔ Main clause: *Trish decided to quit baseball*
---
8. Mandy couldn't have any food until she finished her homework.
- Subordinate clause: *"until she finished her homework"* (time condition, dependent)
- Main clause: *"Mandy couldn't have any food"* → Independent.
✔ Main clause: *Mandy couldn't have any food*
---
✔ Final Answer:
Underline the following
main clauses:
1.
he never played it with his friends
2.
He played on the computer
3.
he has made it to work on time
4.
Becca never has desert
5.
Simon bought a new car
6.
I'm going to buy one
7.
Trish decided to quit baseball
8.
Mandy couldn't have any food
> 💡 Tip: The main clause is usually the part that makes sense on its own. Look for the subject and verb that form a complete thought. Dependent clauses often start with words like *because, when, after, although, even though, until,* etc.
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Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of complex sentence worksheet 3rd grade.
