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COMPLEX SENTENCE A complex sentence has an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses. A complex sentence always has a subordinator such as because, since, after, although, or when or a relative pronoun such as that, who, or which. The followings are the complex sentence: A. When he handed in his homework, he forgot to give the teacher the last page. B. The teacher returned the homework after she noticed the error. C. The students are studying because they have a test tomorrow. D. After they finished studying, Juan and Maria went to the movies. E. Juan and Maria went to the movies after they finished studying. ADVERB CLAUSE An adverb clause modifies a verb. It contains a subject and a verb. As a subordinate clause, it cannot stand alone and must connect to an independent or main clause to form a complete sentence. An adverb clause may come before or after the independent clause. When an adverb clause precedes an independent clause, a comma is used to separate the clauses. When the adverb comes after the independent clause, no comma is used. KINDS OF ADVERBIAL CLAUSES Clause of Time (When?) These clauses are used to show when something happens. Conjunctions used: after, as, as long as, as soon as, before, since, until, while, when, whenever
Main clause Subordinate clause

EXAMPLE: You must clear up this mess before they arrive.

Subordinate clause Main clause

When she heard the news, she started to cry. Clause of Condition (Under what conditions?) These clauses are used to talk about a possible situation. Conjunctions used: if, unless
Subordinate clause Main clause

EXAMPLE: If he wasn't such a heavy smoker, he would be alive today.

Main clause Subordinate clause

I am going to take away your television unless you pay me back the money. Clause of Reason (why?) These clauses are used to show why something happens. Conjunctions used: because, since, as

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Subordinate clause Main clause

EXAMPLE: Since we're both tired, we agreed to stop shopping.

Main clause

Subordinate clause

She is very angry because of what you said. Clause of Purpose (What was the reason for doing this?) These clauses are used to show the purpose for doing something. Conjunctions used: so that, in order that
Main clause Subordinate clause

EXAMPLE: I hold my pet cat up so that everyone can see it.

Main clause Subordinate clause

We locked the gate in order that no uninvited persons could come in. Clause of Concession (Why is this unexpected?) These clauses are pointed out two opposing idea (unexpected result). Conjunctions used: although, even though, though, even if, whereas, while
Subordinate clause Main clause

EXAMPLE: Even though the weather was cold, I went swimming.

Subordinate clause Main clause

Although I was tired, I didnt go to bed. ACTIVITIES: ADVERB CLAUSE Exercise 1: Students bracket the conjunctions and underline the adverbial clauses in the sentences provided, and state what kind of clause each is. Example: We were fishing [where] the smugglers used to land: Adverbial clause of place a. We had to rush home as a storm was breaking. b. We wanted to get back before it got dark. c. My brother is only little, so I carried his bucket for him. d. We cleaned the fish quickly so that we could grill it for dinner. e. Although I like insects, I do not wish to study entomology. f. He will come if you invite him. g. Bell screamed loudly because a spider dropped on her arm.

Page |3 h. She works so hard in order that she can become an entomologist. Exercise 2: A simple sentence is written on the board, and students in turn add an adverbial clause and state what kind they have used. Example: Dad went shopping because he needed new golf balls. (Adverbial clause of reason) a. She doesn't speak to anybody when__________________________________________________. (________________) b. I caught the bus because___________________________________________________________. (________________) c. Although_______________________________________, he will go to the concert. (________________) d. You should not drive after________________________________________. (________________) e. We keep our bread in the fridge in order that __________________________________________. (________________) f. You may get malaria if _____________________________________________________________. (________________) g. Hockey players wear lots of protective clothing so that___________________________________. (________________)