Spring Compound and

Complex Sentences

A clause is a group of words that contains a verb (action) and a subject

(the person or thing that does an action).

There are two types of clauses, main and subordinate.

• A main clause is the key part of a sentence. Every sentence

has a main clause. A main clause can form a complete sentence;
it makes sense on its own.

• A subordinate clause gives us more information about the main clause.

If we removed the main clause, a subordinate clause would not make
sense on its own, it is not a ‘full’ sentence.

Clauses and types of sentence

• A simple sentence has just one main clause.

• A compound sentence will have two or more main clauses that are
linked by a conjunction (joining word). The clauses would all make
sense on their own, even without the rest of the sentence.

• A complex sentence has a main clause and one or more

subordinate clauses.

Task 1

Read each spring-themed sentence and decide whether it is an example of a

simple, compound or complex sentence. The first one has been done for you.

1. The birds began the dawn chorus and Elaine heard their song.

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 Spring Compound and Complex Sentences

Compound
There are two main clauses:
The birds began the dawn chorus. Elaine heard their song.
The word ‘and’ is the conjunction that joins the clauses.

2. The short-beaked echidna emerged after its hibernation.

3. Many animals are born in spring when the weather is warmer and food is
more plentiful.

4. The platypus is found across the continent of Australia, but nowhere else.

5. If there is a late frost, the flowers in the garden may die.

6. When Mark heard the breeze blowing, he ran to fetch his kite.

7. Remembrance Day is honoured on November 11th.

8. I love walking among colourful wildflowers, so spring is my

favourite season.

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 Spring Compound and Complex Sentences
Task 2

Write the main clause in each sentence.

1. The lambs, which were born in September, raced around the paddock

2. Cherry blossoms, David’s favourite flowers, carpeted the garden floor.

3. If there is a spring shower, I will race outside to stomp in the puddles.

4. Many migrating birds, such as kingfishers, cuckoos and sandpipers, return

to Australia in the springtime.

5. There is a cherry tree in our garden that my brother planted.

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 Subordinate Clauses
I know what a subordinate clause is.

1. Finish off the sentences by adding more detail to these subordinate clauses.

a) While the rain poured down,

b) Before the party had started,

c) before it’s too late.

d) because I don’t know the answer.

2. Now try adding an embedded clause into this sentence.

a) Alan the footballer, , scored the

first goal.

SPaG | Subordinate Clauses

 Subordinating Conjunction Jigsaws
I SAW A
WABUB!
Use your super sentence writing skills to create a complex (multi-clause) sentence using different subordinating conjunctions. Read the
main clause on the puzzle pieces, add an appropriate subordinating conjunction and then add your own subordinate clause. The first one
is done for you as an example.
1.
the sun had set in the village.
The cold wind blew
violently after

2.
The relaxed man snored
on his sofa

3.
Florence jumped high
into the air

4.

I hate Sundays

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