A complex sentence contains a subordinate clause and at least one main clause. A subordinate clause gives information about a main clause, and is introduced by a conjunction such as `because', `if', `that', or a `wh'-word. Subordinate clauses can come before, after, or inside the main clause. | Unit 1 Clause and sentence structure Main points Simple sentences have one clause. Clauses usually consist of a noun group as the subject and a verb group. Clauses can also have another noun group as the object or complement. Clauses can have an adverbial also called an adjunct. Changing the order of the words in a clause can change its meaning. Compound sentences consist of two or more main clauses. Complex sentences always include a subordinate clause as well as one or more main clauses. 1 A simple sentence has one clause beginning with a noun group called the subject. The subject is the person or thing that the sentence is about. This is followed by a verb group which tells you what the subject is doing or describes the subject s situation. I waited. The girl screamed. 2 The verb group may be followed by another noun group which is called the object. The object is the person or thing affected by the action or situation. He opened the car door. She married a young engineer. After link verbs like be become feel and seem the verb group may be followed by a noun group or an adjective called a complement. The complement tells you more about the subject. She was a doctor. He was angry. 3 The verb group the object or the complement can be followed by an adverb or a prepositional phrase called an adverbial. The adverbial tells you more about the action or situation for example how when or where it happens. Adverbials are also called adjuncts. They shouted loudly. She won the competition last week. He was a policeman in Birmingham. 4 The word order of a clause is different when the clause is a statement a question or a command. He speaks English very well. statement Did she win at the Olympics question Stop her. command Note that the subject is omitted in commands so the verb comes first. 5 A compound sentence has two or more main clauses that is clauses which are equally important. You join them with and but or or . He met Jane at the station and went shopping. I wanted
