Complex Sentences

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Complex Sentences
Formula Opener , Sentence. Mentor
Sentences If you cant annoy somebody, there
is little point in writing. --Kingsley Amis, The
Kings English When summer comes to the North
Woods, time slows down. --Jennifer Donnelly, A
Northern Light
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You can add variety to the beginning of your
sentences and make your writing more
sophisticated by using the following methods

• Method 1 begin with a location or time
• Sentence to vary The kitten was lost.
• Examples
• In the field of tall grass, the kitten was lost.
• Yesterday afternoon, the kitten was lost.

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• Method 2 begin with a word that ends with
  ly, ed, or ing.
• Sentence to vary The kitten was lost.
• Examples
• Unfortunately, the kitten was lost.
• Hopelessly confused, the kitten was lost.
• Frightened by the storm, the kitten was lost.
• Crying pathetically, the kitten was lost.
• Insert a comma after an introductory word or
  phrase!

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• Method 3 begin with dependent clause. Words
  such as because, since, if, although, when,
  after, and while.
• Sentence to vary The kitten was lost.
• Examples
• Because the mother cat ran off, the kitten was
  lost.
• Although the kitten was lost, his tummy was
  full.
• Insert a comma after the dependent clause!

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Your Turn!
The candy was in his pocket. Vary the sentence
using each method. Method 1 Method 2 Method
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