CLAUSES 
 
EXERCISE 1 
Place “M” in the blank to signal a Main Clause or “S” in the blank to signal a Subordinate Clause.   
 
_____ When John wakes up 
 
_____ Jerry enjoys playing guitar, particularly bluegrass music. 
 
_____ While Jane rode on the motor cycle 
 
_____ Barry loves to eat ice cream 
 
_____ When the sky is blue 
 
_____ Oceans contain many forms of life. 
 
_____ Although the soldiers marched across the land 
 
_____ Brad spoke 
 
_____ Judy owns a sports car 
 
EXERCISE 2 
In these complex and complex-compound sentences, circle the main clause, and underline the 
subordinate clause. 
 
1. Darcy has a lovely baby although she loves to make very loud noises. 
 
2. When Ted walked down the stairs he observed a beautiful girl in the room. 
 
3. Larry motioned to Moe while Curly was unaware of the prank. 
 
4. After Hannah rode her bike to school she found a flat tire. 
 
5. Mary cannot remember the dance although she remembers running into the pole. 
 
6. Anne writes books even though they have many mistakes. 
 
7. The mountains look clean after the thunderstorm has washed them. 
 
8. Before he mows the lawn Harold puts on his cap. 
 
9. As soon as Tiffany arrives we can begin the meeting. 
 
10. The Halloween party was great until Brooke put alcohol in the punch. 
 
11. Jake can drive provided that he can drive with an adult driver. 
 
12. Kristin has a great boyfriend insomuch as he stays faithful. 
 
13. If you ask him Chuck will acknowledge working forty years with the court. 
 
14. Unless you can think of a good reason drinks should not be allowed in the lab.