I jumped when he popped the balloon.
I jumped is the main clause. It could stand alone as a sentence. When he popped the balloon cannot stand alone. It is the dependent clause.
Notice that the clauses are connected with a dotted line.
How to Diagram a Sentence
By Grace Fleming, About.com Guide
A complex sentence has at least one principle clause with a main idea and at least one dependent clause.
Prev
- Subject and Verb
- Direct Object and Predicate Adjective
- Clause as Direct Object
- Two Direct Objects
- Adjectives and Adverbs that Modify
- More Modifiers
- Clause as Predicate Nominative
- Indirect Object and Understood You
- Complex Sentence
- Appositives
Suggested Reading
Suggested Reading
Explore Homework / Study Tips
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
A Smarter Future
Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >
How to Ace the GRE
Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.