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Building Complex Sentences

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Building Complex Sentences

A clause has a subject and a verb. One kind of clause expresses a complete thought; another needs more information. A complex sentence joins a complete-thought clause with at least one clause that needs more information. Read each item carefully, then answer in the space provided.

Recognising clauses

Choose the best answer for each item.

1.Does “The kookaburra called from the gum tree” express a complete thought, or does it need more information?
  • It expresses a complete thought
  • It needs more information
2.Does “Although the path was muddy” express a complete thought, or does it need more information?
  • It expresses a complete thought
  • It needs more information
3.Does “Charlie packed her swimmers” express a complete thought, or does it need more information?
  • It expresses a complete thought
  • It needs more information
4.Does “Whenever the clouds gather” express a complete thought, or does it need more information?
  • It expresses a complete thought
  • It needs more information
5.Which part cannot stand alone as a complete thought in this sentence: “We took our jackets because the evening was chilly”?
  • We took our jackets
  • because the evening was chilly
6.Which part expresses a complete thought in this sentence: “After the match ended, the players thanked the crowd”?
  • After the match ended
  • the players thanked the crowd

Joining clauses

Match each clause that needs more information with a clause that expresses a complete thought and makes a sensible complex sentence. Write the matching letter beside each number.

Complete complex sentences

Add a clause to each sentence. Sample answers are provided; other answers are possible if they make a complete, sensible complex sentence.

7.Add a clause that expresses a complete thought to finish the sentence: “Because the little boat rocked in the waves, …”
8.Add a clause that expresses a complete thought to finish the sentence: “When the library doors opened, …”
9.Add a clause that expresses a complete thought to finish the sentence: “If the team practises together, …”
10.Add a clause that needs more information to finish the sentence: “The magpies gathered on the lawn …”
11.Add a clause that needs more information to finish the sentence: “…, Jai shared his umbrella.”
12.Add a clause that needs more information to finish the sentence: “The family lit the candles …”

Write complex sentences

Use the given clause or topic to write a complete complex sentence. Each answer should contain one clause that expresses a complete thought and one that needs more information.

13.Begin with “Even though the wind was strong,” and finish with a clause that expresses a complete thought to make a complex sentence.
14.Begin with “As soon as the whistle blew,” and finish with a clause that expresses a complete thought to make a complex sentence.
15.Write one complex sentence about an activity you enjoy. Include one clause that needs more information and one that expresses a complete thought.
16.Write one complex sentence about a celebration. Include one clause that needs more information and one that expresses a complete thought.

3 printable pages

  • Building Complex Sentences, page 1 of 3: Recognising clauses

    Page 1

  • Building Complex Sentences, page 2 of 3: Joining clauses, Complete complex sentences

    Page 2

  • Building Complex Sentences, page 3 of 3: Write complex sentences

    Page 3

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