Let’s go through each sentence fragment and finish it to make a complete complex sentence. A complex sentence has one main idea (independent clause) and one extra idea that depends on it (dependent clause). We’ll use the word given at the end of each fragment to add that extra idea.
We’ll think about what makes sense logically — like cause and effect, time order, or contrast.
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1. The girls wanted to fish from the dock until
it started raining.
→ They stopped when rain began.
2. The train was late because
there was a signal problem.
→ Gives a reason for the delay.
3. The mother called her children to come inside since
it was getting dark.
→ Reason: safety or bedtime.
4. The glass fell to the floor and broke after
someone bumped the table.
→ Cause of the accident.
5. The ball crashed into the window as
the boy kicked it too hard.
→ Explains how it happened.
6. I will sit at home on the couch until
my favorite show starts.
→ Waiting for something specific.
7. The cat slept peacefully on the chair before
the dog barked loudly.
→ Something interrupted the peace.
8. Joseph was late for class after
he missed the bus.
→ Common school scenario.
9. We are not going to the mall unless
our parents say yes.
→ Condition must be met.
10. The rain fell from the sky until
the clouds ran out of water.
→ Poetic but logical ending.
11. The store closed early because
no customers came in.
→ Business reason.
12. The dog decided to go out whenever
he heard a squirrel outside.
→ Trigger for action.
13. We really like going out although
it sometimes costs a lot of money.
→ Contrast: fun vs. cost.
14. I am eating pizza at home while
watching my favorite movie.
→ Two things happening together.
15. Amanda rode her horse before
she had to do her homework.
→ Time sequence.
16. Nicole answered her phone as
soon as it rang.
→ Immediate reaction.
17. The plant grew through
a crack in the sidewalk.
→ Shows determination or nature finding a way.
18. The dog returned home after
chasing a rabbit for an hour.
→ Adventure then return.
19. The laundry is finished although
I forgot to add soap.
→ Surprise outcome despite mistake.
20. Dinner is ready to eat whenever
you wash your hands.
→ Simple condition before eating.
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Final Answer:
1. it started raining
2. there was a signal problem
3. it was getting dark
4. someone bumped the table
5. the boy kicked it too hard
6. my favorite show starts
7. the dog barked loudly
8. he missed the bus
9. our parents say yes
10. the clouds ran out of water
11. no customers came in
12. he heard a squirrel outside
13. it sometimes costs a lot of money
14. watching my favorite movie
15. she had to do her homework
16. soon as it rang
17. a crack in the sidewalk
18. chasing a rabbit for an hour
19. I forgot to add soap
20. you wash your hands
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of simple compound and complex sentences worksheet.
