Complex Sentences and Adverbial Clauses in Context
Complex Sentences & Adverbial Clauses
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Complex Sentences & Adverbial Clauses
What do you already know about complex sentences and adverbial clauses?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify, understand, and use complex sentences with adverbial clauses to express reason, time, place, and conditions.
What Are Complex Sentences?
A complex sentence has a main clause and at least one subordinate clause. It helps express more detailed and precise ideas.
The Structure of Complex Sentences
Main clause: expresses the main idea. Subordinate clause: adds information, often introduced by conjunctions like 'because', 'when', 'although'.
What Is an Adverbial Clause?
An adverbial clause is a subordinate clause that gives more information about the verb: time, place, reason, manner, or condition.
Types of Adverbial Clauses
Time ('when'), place ('where'), reason ('because'), manner ('as'), condition ('if', 'unless'), contrast ('although').
Example: Paul the Octopus
Paul could predict football results every time he was asked. ('every time he was asked' – time)
Understanding Time Clauses
Adverbial clauses of time answer 'when?'. They use conjunctions like 'when', 'while', 'after', 'before', 'every time'. Example: 'He answers when he knows the answer.'
Understanding Place Clauses
Adverbial clauses of place answer 'where?'. They use 'where', 'wherever'. Example: 'Hundreds came to see Hans wherever he appeared.'
Reason Clauses
Adverbial clauses of reason answer 'why?'. They use 'because', 'as', 'since'. Example: 'The horse became famous because he could answer any question.'
Condition Clauses
Answer 'under what condition?'. Use 'if', 'unless', 'provided that'. Example: 'Hans could not answer if he couldn't see the questioner.'
Case Study: Clever Hans
Clever Hans appeared intelligent until scientists controlled the conditions. ('if either of two circumstances existed')
Case Study: Clever Hans
Clever Hans appeared intelligent until scientists controlled the conditions. ('if either of two circumstances existed')
Why Use Complex Sentences?
They show advanced thinking and connect ideas clearly, making your arguments and explanations stronger.
Recognising Adverbial Clauses
Look for conjunctions like 'if', 'because', 'since', 'when', 'wherever'. The clause they introduce is usually an adverbial clause.
Sentence Matching: Analyse Meaning
Match adverbial clauses to the main clause. Q: What extra information do the clauses in bold give?
Example Breakdown
Paul the octopus could predict Germany's World Cup results every time he was asked.
Sentence
What is added?
It tells us how often he could predict (time).
Exercise: Complete with Clauses
Some people thought Paul was intelligent because ... (add your own reason). Practice making your own complex sentences.
Comparing Answers
Work with a partner or group to compare your sentences and discuss which adverbial clauses you used.
Listening: Intelligence & Feelings
Listen to five speakers on intelligence. Match their ideas to statements. Note how complex sentences are used to express opinions.
Scientific Observation vs. Casual Observation
Casual Observation
Everyday, not systematic, may include bias or extra influences.
Scientific Method
Systematic and controlled, manipulates one factor at a time.
Vocabulary for Research and Reporting
Words from the article: observe, systematic, influence, procedure, investigate, illustrate, distinguish.
Summary: Clever Hans & Paul the Octopus
Both stories use complex sentences and adverbial clauses to explain animal intelligence and scientific investigation.
Reflection: Using Complex Sentences
Think about how complex sentences help you explain ideas more clearly, especially in exams and discussions.
Next Steps
Try writing five complex sentences about animals or intelligence using adverbial clauses. Share your sentences with a partner.
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