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Complex sentence

• A complex sentence is a sentence that combines


one independent clause with at least one
dependent clause.
• A clause is a group of words that has both a
subject and a verb.
• An independent clause forms a complete thought.
• A dependent clause, also called a subordinating
clause, does not form a complete thought and is
dependent upon an independent clause for
meaning.
Using Subordinate Clauses in Complex Sentences

In complex sentences, subordinate clauses


function within the sentence as 1) nouns 2)
adjectives, or 3) adverbs
Noun Clause
• A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun.

• Noun clauses begin with words such as how, that, what,


whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who,
whoever, whom, whomever, and why.

• Noun clauses can act as subjects, direct objects, indirect


objects, predicate nominatives, or objects of a preposition.
Examples

 The focus of our work is how we can satisfy customers most effectively.
How we can satisfy customers most effectively is a noun clause. It contains the subject
we and the verb phrase can satisfy. The clause acts as a predicate nominative in the
sentence, identifying focus.
 Be sure to send whoever interviewed you a thank-you note.
Whoever interviewed you is a noun clause. It contains the subject whoever and the verb
interviewed. The clause acts as an indirect object in the sentence.
 Do you know what the weather will be?
What the weather will be is a noun clause. It contains the subject weather and the verb
phrase will be. The clause acts as a direct object in the sentence.)
Adjective Clause
• An adjective clause is a dependent clause that, like an
adjective, modifies a noun or pronoun. Adjective
clauses begin with words such as that, when, where,
who, whom, whose, which, and why.
• An essential (or restrictive) adjective clause provides
information that is necessary for identifying the word it
modifies. A nonessential (or nonrestrictive) adjective
clause provides additional information about the word
it modifies, but the word’s meaning is already clear.
Nonessential clauses are always set off with commas.
Examples
• We’re going to the beach that I like best.
That I like the best is an adjective clause. It contains
the subject I and the verb like. The clause modifies
the noun beach.
• Mr. Jackson is the teacher who helped me with
my math problems.
Who helped me with my math problems is an
adjective clause. It contains the subject who and
the verb helped. The clause modifies the
noun teacher.
Adjective clause connectors:

• Who/whom (for people), which (for things),


that (for people or things), Whose (for
possesive)
• She needs a secretary who types fast
• I liked the book which you recommended
• The woman is filling the glass that she put on
the table
• The glass that she put on the table contains
milk
Adverbial Clause

• An adverbial clause is a
dependent clause that functions as
an adverb; that is, the
entire clause modifies a verb, an
adjective, or another adverb.
Types and Functions
1) Adverbial Clause of Time
This refers to when an action takes place. Adverb clause
of time connectors: after, as, as long as, as soon as,
before, by the time, once, since, until, when, whenever,
while.
For instance:
• As soon as the man saw his wife, he ran away.
• Before she completed the cooking, the visitors had
left.
• After the church service, the children went to the zoo.
• Immediately he came home, he went to bed.
2) Adverbial Clause of Place
This refers to where an action takes place. Adverb
clause of place connectors : where, wherever
For instance:
• Jane sat where her mother had prepared for her
friend.
• I will go wherever you go.
• She promised to look for the purse wherever she
might find it.
• Send us to wherever you want to.
3) Adverbial Clause of Manner
This refers to how an action takes place. Adverb clause of
place connectors : as, in that
For instance:
• The man was talking as if she was the leader of the
group.
• The choir sang as though the heavens would fall.
• She performed so excellently that she got a
scholarship.
• Please do it (exactly) as I instructed.
4) Adverbial Clause of Reason
This clause tells us the reason for the action
the verb expresses. Subordinating conjunctions such as
that, because, since, as, etc.
Examples:
• The man works hard because he has debts to offset.
• Because he has money, he believes he can get away
with the crime.
• He was denied entrance as he could not pay the
required fees.
• He was not happy that he could not make the list.
5) Adverbial Clause of Condition
This clause usually states the condition the verb in the
main clause stipulates. Some of the subordinating
conjunctions that introduce this clause include: whether,
if, provided, unless, as long as, etc.
Examples:
• I will only attend the event if you personally invite me.
• Whether she likes it or not, she must complete her
education in Nigeria.
• There will be no need to go to court provided you sign
the papers.
6) Adverbial Clause of Concession
The subordinators that introduce this clause are
though, although, even though, while, despite, in
spite of, whereas, etc.
• Although he was indisposed, he went to the
office.
• Though he was a trained teacher, he detests
teaching.
• While she cannot speak French, she likes
visiting Francophone countries.
7) Adverbial Clause of Purpose
We usually introduce this clause by subordinating
conjunctions : that, so that, lest, in order that, etc. The
clause tells us the purpose of the action the verb states.
Examples:
• He reads so hard so that he can graduate top of his
class.
• You need to shed off some weight lest you should
become obese.
• The ceremony was rounded off in order that attendees
might get to their destinations on time.
8) Adverbial Clause of Degree or Comparison
Adverbial Clause of degree usually indicates the degree,
that is, the relative extent or the comparison of the verb
in the main or independent clause. It answers the
questions how much, how many or how little. The
subordinate conjunctions that usually introduce this
clause include as, than, as…as, so…as and others. Let us
see some examples of this clause:
• She is as loquacious as she is ill-mannered.
• The factory is bigger than the one in the capital city.
• The students were quicker in solving the sums than I
expected.
Exercises
Underline each subordinate clause in the following sentences.
Then, write over the clause ADJ if it is an adjective clause, ADV
if it is an adverb clause, or N if it is a noun clause.
1. Jeri, who learned to dance from his grandmother, taught us
the Charleston.
2. Because her favorite program was on, Stacy wanted to stay
home.
3. Any author whose books make the bestseller list is likely to
make a lot of money.
4. Whoever spilled the mustard all over the floor should clean
it up.
5. Esai rode his bicycle whenever he had errands to run.
6. This is the garden where we grow tomatoes.
7. He told his story to whoever would listen.
8. Mother explained why we should change
the oil in the car.
9. If we want to get to the game on time, we
should leave now.
10. The play on which the film is based is quite
good.

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