To find the main clause in a complex sentence, we need to look for the part of the sentence that can stand alone as a complete thought. This part usually contains the subject and the verb and doesn't start with a "subordinating conjunction" (words like *because, although, when, if, until, after*). The other part of the sentence depends on the main clause to make sense.
Here is the step-by-step breakdown for each sentence:
1.
"Even though he liked soccer, he never played it with his friends."
* *Even though he liked soccer* starts with "Even though," so it is the dependent part.
* *he never played it with his friends* is the complete thought.
*
Main Clause: he never played it with his friends
2.
"He played on the computer after he ate dinner."
* *after he ate dinner* starts with "after," making it dependent.
* *He played on the computer* is the complete thought.
*
Main Clause: He played on the computer
3.
"Ever since he lived in the new house, he has made it to work on time."
* *Ever since he lived in the new house* starts with "Ever since," so it is dependent.
* *he has made it to work on time* is the complete thought.
*
Main Clause: he has made it to work on time
4.
"Becca never has desert until her father has had some."
* *until her father has had some* starts with "until," making it dependent.
* *Becca never has desert* is the complete thought.
*
Main Clause: Becca never has desert
5.
"Simon bought a new car because he got a pay rise."
* *because he got a pay rise* starts with "because," so it is dependent.
* *Simon bought a new car* is the complete thought.
*
Main Clause: Simon bought a new car
6.
"When houses get cheaper, I’m going to buy one."
* *When houses get cheaper* starts with "When," making it dependent.
* *I’m going to buy one* is the complete thought.
*
Main Clause: I’m going to buy one
7.
"Trish decided to quit baseball because she wasn’t very good."
* *because she wasn’t very good* starts with "because," so it is dependent.
* *Trish decided to quit baseball* is the complete thought.
*
Main Clause: Trish decided to quit baseball
8.
"Mandy couldn’t have any food until she finished her homework."
* *until she finished her homework* starts with "until," making it dependent.
* *Mandy couldn’t have any food* is the complete thought.
*
Main Clause: Mandy couldn’t have any food
Final Answer:
1. <u>he never played it with his friends</u>
2. <u>He played on the computer</u>
3. <u>he has made it to work on time</u>
4. <u>Becca never has desert</u>
5. <u>Simon bought a new car</u>
6. <u>I’m going to buy one</u>
7. <u>Trish decided to quit baseball</u>
8. <u>Mandy couldn’t have any food</u>
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of simple or compound sentences worksheet 5th grade.
