1. Learning Literacy: Sentences – complex sentences containing dependent and independent clauses

2. Complex Sentences
A complex sentence has an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. It has two or more verbs.
The independent clause can stand alone. The other clauses depend on the independent clause for meaning.
There are many different types of dependent clause.

3. Dependent Clause Types
Adverbial clauses work like adverbs to modify a verb (for example to give more information about place, time, condition purpose and reason).
Adjectival clauses modify (or give more information about) nouns.
Verbless clauses do not have a verb but the verb is understood when we read the sentence. Eg: Although usually late, Jane arrived on time today.
(This could be written as: Although she was usually late…)
Non-finite clauses use non-finite verbs. A finite verb has tense, for example: I sent a card. (past tense)
To send a card… however has a non-finite (or timeless) verb (not fixed in a particular time).

4. Complex Sentence Examples
I ran to the window because I needed to escape. (adverbial clause using a binding conjunction)
Because I needed to escape, I ran to the window.
(adverbial clause in the first position; start of sentence)
Example 2
The hat, which was colourful, lay on the floor. (adjectival)
In this example the dependent clause cannot be moved to the first position.

5. Example 3
When I awoke, I was terrified. (adverbial in first position)
Example 4
She fell from the cliff, clawing at the air (non-finite – see next slide) as she plummeted to her untimely death. (adverbial)

6. Activity
Complete the Complex Sentence activity in Moodle.