Complex Sentences Worksheets - 15 Worksheets Library - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step.

Objective:

Underline the independent clause in each complex sentence.

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence because it has a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause.

---

Solutions:

1. After we have breakfast, we'll start our work.
- Independent clause: we'll start our work
*(This can stand alone; "After we have breakfast" is dependent.)*

2. He cut the apple in half because it was so big.
- Independent clause: He cut the apple in half
*(“because it was so big” is dependent.)*

3. I picked Chris up today since the bus wasn’t running.
- Independent clause: I picked Chris up today
*(“since the bus wasn’t running” is dependent.)*

4. Ed sits at his desk whenever he needs to concentrate.
- Independent clause: Ed sits at his desk
*(“whenever he needs to concentrate” is dependent.)*

5. Now that our work is done, we can relax.
- Independent clause: we can relax
*(“Now that our work is done” is dependent.)*

6. You act as if you have never done anything wrong.
- Independent clause: You act
*(“as if you have never done anything wrong” is dependent.)*

7. You can have this last cookie as I am full.
- Independent clause: You can have this last cookie
*(“as I am full” is dependent — note: “as” here means “because.”)*

8. I could not forget you even if I wanted to.
- Independent clause: I could not forget you
*(“even if I wanted to” is dependent.)*

9. Whenever I think about you, I miss you very much.
- Independent clause: I miss you very much
*(“Whenever I think about you” is dependent.)*

10. We should leave a light on lest we are late getting home.
- Independent clause: We should leave a light on
*(“lest we are late getting home” is dependent — “lest” means “in case.”)*

---

✔ Final Answer Summary:

1. we'll start our work
2. He cut the apple in half
3. I picked Chris up today
4. Ed sits at his desk
5. we can relax
6. You act
7. You can have this last cookie
8. I could not forget you
9. I miss you very much
10. We should leave a light on

---

💡 Tip: To find the independent clause, ask: *Which part of the sentence makes sense on its own?* That’s your answer.

Let me know if you'd like this printed or formatted for a student!