Building Complex Sentences with Dependent Clauses: | Practice 3
Instructions
Based on the lesson about dependent and independent clauses, combine each pair of sentences to build a single, more complex sentence including an independent and a dependent clause. (In some cases, you may omit the verb “be” in the dependent clause.)
Examples
Example 1: The toy has already broken down. We bought it (the toy) yesterday.
Main Clause 1: The toy (that) we bought yesterday has already broken down.
Example 2: The woman was John’s daughter. I was talking to her at the party.
Main Clause 2: The woman I was talking to at the party was John’s daughter.
Also (very formal): The woman to whom I was talking at the party was John’s daughter.
When you are finished, click “Answer” to check your answer.
Note. Your answers will not be submitted. When you leave this page, they will be deleted.
PDF Handout
Back to the lesson.
1. The mistakes were careless. You made the mistakes on the exam.
The mistakes (that) you made on the exam were careless.
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2. The mistakes made it difficult to understand your ideas. You made the mistakes in your essay.
The mistakes (that) you made in your essay made it difficult to understand your ideas.
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3. Any cars will be towed away. They are blocking the exit.
Any cars that are blocking the exit will be towed away.
(omitting the verb “be”) Any cars blocking the exit will be towed away.
Answer
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4. The driver was uninjured. The driver crashed into the building.
The driver (who) crashed into the building was uninjured.
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If you’re having difficulties with this exercise, consider reviewing the lesson before continuing.
5. The last course will be offered in the spring semester. I need to take the course.
The last course (that) I need to take will be offered in the spring semester.
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6. Some of the people were uncomfortable with the questions. We interviewed these people.
Some of the people we interviewed were uncomfortable with the questions.
(very formal): Some of the people whom we interviewed were uncomfortable with the questions.
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7. The ideas can be amusing. Children come up with the ideas.
The ideas (that) children come up with can be amusing.
(very formal): The ideas with which children come up can be amusing.
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8. The cake is an old family recipe. You had the cake at my birthday party.
The cake (that) you had at the party is an old family recipe.
Answer
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9. Two of the experiments yielded interesting results. The researchers conducted the experiments.
Two of the experiments (that) the researchers conducted yielded interesting results.
Answer
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10. The library is now the newest building in town. The tornado destroyed it last year.
The library (that) the tornado destroyed last year is now the newest building in town.
Answer
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11. Norman Orentreich died in 2019. He was the dermatologist responsible for the development of hair transplants.
Norman Orentreich, (who was) the dermatologist responsible for the development of hair transplants, died in 2019.
(Also correct): The dermatologist responsible for the development of hair transplants, Normal Orentreich die in 2019.
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12. None of the planets are similar to the Earth. Astronomers have found these planets so far.
None of the planet (that) astronomers have found so far are similar to the Earth.
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Exercises in This Lesson
Practice 1. Identify the main clause.
Practice 2. Identify the main clause (more complex).
Practice 3. Combine sentences. (this page)
Practice 4. Practice omitting the verb “be" in dependent clauses.
Congratulations on completing this exercise!
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