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Getting Smarter through Language

Building Complex Sentences with Dependent Clauses: | Practice 4

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Instructions

Based on the lesson about dependent and independent clauses, revise the sentences below by omitting the portion with the verb “be” whenever possible. If it is not possible, write “(no change)” in the space provided; otherwise, write the whole revised sentence there.

Examples

Example 1: That book that is on the table belongs to Jack.

Revised sentence 1: That book on the table belongs to Jack.

Example 2: The woman I was talking to at the party was Professor Ecks’s daughter.

Revised sentence 2: (no change)

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

1. The man that is in the blue suit over there is my uncle.

Revised sentence:

The man in the blue suit over there is my uncle.

2. The students that are enrolled in this course have very diverse backgrounds.

Revised sentence:

The students enrolled in this course have very diverse backgrounds.

3. The man who was arrested for shoplifting yesterday turned out to be completely innocent.

Revised sentence:

The man arrested for shoplifting yesterday turned out to be completely innocent.

4. The people who were sitting in the back of the room could barely hear the speaker.

Revised sentence:

The people sitting in the back of the room could barely hear the speaker.

5. The clothes that are sold at this store are quite affordable.

Revised sentence:

The clothes sold at this store are quite affordable.

6. The course that is about comparative linguistics is taught only in the spring semester.

Revised sentence:

The course about comparative linguistics is taught only in the spring semester.

7. The ideas that children come up with are often amusing.

Revised sentence:

(no change)

8. Jack Hammer, who is the president of the company, is retiring this year.

Revised sentence:

Jack Hammer, the president of the company, is retiring this year.

Answer

9. The experiments that are being conducted in this lab are very innovative.

Revised sentence:

The experiments being conducted in this lab are very innovative.

10. The library that was destroyed by last year’s tornado is finally being rebuilt.

Revised sentence:

The library destroyed by last year’s tornado is finally being rebuilt.

11. The Spielberg movie that was released last month has been receiving excellent reviews.

Revised sentence:

The Spielberg movie released last month has been receiving excellent reviews.

12. A dependent clause that is written by itself creates an incomplete sentence.

Revised sentence:

A dependent clause written by itself creates an incomplete sentence.

Exercises in this Lesson

Practice 1. Identify the main clause.

Practice 2. Identify the main clause (more complex).

Practice 3. Combine sentences.

Practice 4. Practice omitting the verb “be" in dependent clauses. (this page)

Congratulations on completing this practice!

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