Commas in Complex Sentences: Introductory Clauses — Answers
Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the 5th Grade punctuation worksheet.
Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheet5th Grade · English · PunctuationCommas in Complex Sentences: Introductory Clauses — Answers
Part A: Which one is right?
A complex sentence has an independent clause (it can stand alone) and a dependent clause that starts with a word like when, because, although, if, after, before, while, until, or since. Circle the right answer.
- AWhen the bell rang the students lined up.
- BWhen the bell rang, the students lined up.
- CWhen, the bell rang the students lined up.
- DWhen the bell, rang the students lined up.
Answer: When the bell rang, the students lined up.
The dependent clause (When the bell rang) comes first, so a comma follows it.
- AWe stayed inside, because it was storming.
- BWe stayed inside because, it was storming.
- CWe stayed inside because it was storming.
- DWe stayed, inside because it was storming.
Answer: We stayed inside because it was storming.
The dependent clause comes last, so no comma is needed.
- AAlthough the hike was long
- Beveryone finished it
- Cthe hike was long, everyone
- Dfinished it
Answer: Although the hike was long
It begins with although and cannot stand alone as a sentence.
- Aand
- Bbut
- Cif
- Dso
Answer: if
If begins a dependent clause. And, but, and so are coordinating conjunctions.
Part B: Add or remove the comma
Clause first? Add a comma. Clause last? Usually no comma. Write each sentence correctly.
Answer: If you finish early, you may read quietly.
Answer: After the game ended, we went out for tacos.
Answer: Our garden grew quickly after the spring rains.
The dependent clause comes last, so take the comma out.
Answer: While Dad cooked dinner, Maya set the table.
Answer: I could not sleep until the thunder stopped.
The dependent clause comes last, so take the comma out.
Part C: Flip the clauses
Move the dependent clause to the other end of the sentence. Add or remove the comma.
Answer: If the pool is open, we will go swimming.
Answer: When the runner crossed the finish line, the crowd cheered.
Answer: Lucia chose the movie since it was her birthday.
Now the dependent clause comes last, so the comma is dropped.
Part D: True or false?
Circle True or False.
Answer: True
Answer: False
It cannot. "Because it was raining" leaves the reader waiting for the rest of the idea.
Answer: True
Answer: False
When because comes in the middle of the sentence, you usually do not use a comma.
Part E: Your turn
Model answer: When we got to the beach, the sand was already hot. Before we went in the water, Dad reminded us to stay near the lifeguard stand. My brother built a sandcastle while I looked for shells. We stayed until the sun began to set.
Success criteria:
- Four complex sentences, each with a dependent and an independent clause
- Two sentences begin with a dependent clause followed by a comma
- Two sentences end with a dependent clause and no comma
- Four different subordinating conjunctions are used
Marking tips
- Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
- For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
- Celebrate what went well first, then pick one thing to work on next.
Great work. Here's what to try next: