Complex Sentence Grammar

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Understanding Complex Sentences

Learning Objective: Use complex sentences with embedded clauses and modality to build tension and mood in narratives.

Success Criteria: I can identify embedded clauses, use modal verbs effectively, and rewrite simple sentences into complex ones for dramatic effect.

1. Identify the embedded clause in this sentence from The Dry:

"Aaron, who had returned to Kiewarra after twenty years, felt the weight of old secrets pressing down on him."

"Aaron felt the weight"

"who had returned to Kiewarra after twenty years"

"pressing down on him"

2. Which modal verb creates the most uncertainty and tension?

"The killer _______ still be in town."

will

might

must

3. Select all the modal verbs that could build suspense in a crime narrative:

could

should

might

would

✏️ Part 2: Rewriting for Effect

Instructions: Rewrite each simple sentence into a complex sentence by adding embedded clauses and modal verbs to create tension and mood suitable for a crime narrative.

4. Simple sentence: "The detective examined the evidence."

Rewrite with an embedded clause:

5. Simple sentence: "Someone left footprints near the river."

Rewrite using modal verbs to create uncertainty:

6. Simple sentence: "The witness saw the suspect."

Rewrite with both an embedded clause and modal verb:

7. Create your own complex sentence about The Dry that includes:

• An embedded clause beginning with "who," "which," or "that"

• A modal verb (might, could, would, should, may)

• Creates a sense of tension or mystery