Complex Sentence Worksheets | Free English Worksheets - Free Printable

Let’s go through each sentence one by one. Remember, the main clause is the part of the sentence that can stand alone as a complete thought — it has a subject and a verb and makes sense by itself. The other part (the dependent clause) usually starts with words like “even though,” “after,” “because,” “until,” etc., and cannot stand alone.

We’ll underline only the main clause in each sentence.

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1. Even though he liked soccer, he never played it with his friends.
→ “Even though he liked soccer” depends on the rest. The main idea is what he did (or didn’t do).

2. He played on the computer after he ate dinner.
→ “After he ate dinner” tells when, but the main action is him playing on the computer.

3. Ever since he lived in the new house, he has made it to work on time.
→ “Ever since...” sets up the reason or time, but the main point is that he’s been on time.

4. Becca never has desert until her father has had some.
Wait — let’s think again. Actually, “Becca never has desert” is the main idea? No — because “until her father has had some” explains *when* she can have dessert. But actually, both parts are needed for full meaning… Hmm. Let’s check: Can “Becca never has desert” stand alone? Yes. Can “until her father has had some” stand alone? No. So the main clause is “Becca never has desert”.

But wait — sometimes the structure tricks us. In this case, “until her father has had some” is modifying “never has desert.” So yes — main clause = “Becca never has desert”

Actually, let me double-check standard grammar rules: In complex sentences, the main clause is independent. “Becca never has desert” is independent. “Until her father has had some” is dependent. So we underline “Becca never has desert”.

BUT — hold on! Some might argue that the whole thing is one unit. Let’s look at #8 too — similar structure.

Actually, let’s be consistent. For example, in #8: “Mandy couldn’t have any food until she finished her homework.” Main clause = “Mandy couldn’t have any food” — because “until...” is dependent.

So same here: #4 → “Becca never has desert”

5. Simon bought a new car because he got a pay rise.
No — wait! “Because he got a pay rise” is the reason — so it’s dependent. The main action is “Simon bought a new car”. That can stand alone. So underline that.

6. When houses get cheaper, I’m going to buy one.
“When houses get cheaper” is conditional — dependent. Main clause is “I’m going to buy one”.

7. Trish decided to quit baseball because she wasn’t very good.
Again, “because...” gives the reason — dependent. Main clause: “Trish decided to quit baseball”

8. Mandy couldn’t have any food until she finished her homework.
Same as #4 — “until...” is dependent. Main clause: “Mandy couldn’t have any food”

Wait — I think I made a mistake in #4 and #8. Let me recheck.

In sentence 4: “Becca never has desert until her father has had some.”

Is “Becca never has desert” really the main clause? Technically, yes — it’s independent. But sometimes in these exercises, they consider the entire predicate including the “until” phrase as part of the main clause if it’s essential to the meaning. However, grammatically, “until her father has had some” is a dependent adverbial clause.

Standard rule: Underline the independent clause.

Let me verify with an example from grammar sources:

Example: “I won’t leave until you come back.” → Main clause: “I won’t leave”

Similarly: “She doesn’t eat until everyone is served.” → Main clause: “She doesn’t eat”

So yes — for #4 and #8, the main clause is the first part.

But wait — in sentence 2: “He played on the computer after he ate dinner.” → We underlined “He played on the computer” — which is correct.

Same logic applies.

So final decisions:

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

Wait — in #5, is “Simon bought a new car” the main clause? Yes. “Because he got a pay rise” is the reason — dependent.

All set.

Now, let’s write them out clearly.

Final Answer:
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