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Complex Sentence Construction
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Complex Sentence Construction
Evie, Jai and Kirra are helping at a busy fishing harbour. Use the clues and tasks to build clear, interesting complex sentences. A complex sentence has one main clause and at least one subordinate clause. When a subordinate clause comes first, place a comma after it.
Spot the clauses
Read each harbour sentence and identify its clause structure.
1.Which sentence contains a main clause and a subordinate clause?
- The boats rocked beside the jetty.
- Because the tide was rising, the crew hurried aboard.
- Jai carried a bucket to the boat.
2.In “When the fog lifted, Kirra spotted a seal near the breakwater”, copy the subordinate clause and the main clause.
3.Choose the subordinating conjunction that best completes the sentence: “The crew checked the ropes ___ the boat left the harbour.”
- before
- and
- but
Build and mend
Use conjunctions and punctuation to make each sentence work.
4.Join these ideas into one complex sentence using “although”: The wind was strong. Evie kept the harbour noticeboard secure.
5.Add the missing comma, if one is needed: “Jai packed the fresh fish carefully so that it stayed cool.”
6.Rewrite the sentence with correct capitalisation and punctuation: “if the tide drops kirra will walk along the jetty”
7.Complete this complex sentence with a sensible main clause: “Unless the rain eases, ...”
8.Complete this complex sentence with a sensible subordinate clause: “The harbour lights switched on ...”
Harbour message challenge
Help the team send a clear message about the changing weather.
9.Choose the best conjunction: “___ the clouds looked dark, the fishers checked the weather report before leaving.”
- Although
- Unless
- During
10.Write two different complex sentences about the fishing harbour. Use “when” in one sentence and “because” in the other. Underline the subordinate clause in each sentence.
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