Controlling simple, compound and complex sentences
Learn it simply
A simple sentence has one main clause.
A compound sentence joins main clauses, while a complex sentence includes a subordinate clause.
Choose the structure that fits the relationship between ideas.
See it. Say it. Understand it.
Easy / Start here
The rain stopped, and the children went outside.
Moderate / Add a little
When the rain stopped, the children went outside.
More detail for teachers and confident learners
A simple sentence has one main clause. A compound sentence joins main clauses, while a complex sentence includes a subordinate clause. Choose the structure that fits the relationship between ideas. Complexity is useful when it clarifies a relationship, not when it makes a sentence difficult to understand.
Read the first model carefully: “The rain stopped, and the children went outside.” Notice how its words work together to communicate one clear meaning. The second model, “When the rain stopped, the children went outside.”, shows a different use of the same lesson idea. Compare the choices rather than memorising a whole sentence. In a new situation, choose the meaning you need first, then select the words and structure that express it. Read or say the result once more to check that another person can understand it.
වැඩි විස්තර අවශ්ය විට පමණක් මෙම කොටස කියවන්න.
Optional extra unit worksheet
Practise the whole unit and receive a separate answer or model guide.
Modal verbs add meanings such as possibility, advice or obligation to a main verb.
Might suggests uncertainty, should often advises, and must can express a strong requirement.
Use the base verb after a modal.
See it. Say it. Understand it.
Easy / Start here
You should check the deadline.
Moderate / Add a little
The path might be slippery after rain.
More detail for teachers and confident learners
Modal verbs add meanings such as possibility, advice or obligation to a main verb. Might suggests uncertainty, should often advises, and must can express a strong requirement. Use the base verb after a modal. Interpret its strength in context rather than treating every modal as interchangeable.
Read the first model carefully: “You should check the deadline.” Notice how its words work together to communicate one clear meaning. The second model, “The path might be slippery after rain.”, shows a different use of the same lesson idea. Compare the choices rather than memorising a whole sentence. In a new situation, choose the meaning you need first, then select the words and structure that express it. Read or say the result once more to check that another person can understand it.
වැඩි විස්තර අවශ්ය විට පමණක් මෙම කොටස කියවන්න.
Optional extra unit worksheet
Practise the whole unit and receive a separate answer or model guide.
Who can refer to a person and which to a thing; that can introduce many defining clauses.
A defining clause identifies the intended person or thing.
See it. Say it. Understand it.
Easy / Start here
The pupil who found the keys gave them to the office.
Moderate / Add a little
Our library, which opened last year, is very popular.
More detail for teachers and confident learners
A relative clause gives information about a noun. Who can refer to a person and which to a thing; that can introduce many defining clauses. A defining clause identifies the intended person or thing. Additional, non-defining information is set off with commas and usually does not use that.
Read the first model carefully: “The pupil who found the keys gave them to the office.” Notice how its words work together to communicate one clear meaning. The second model, “Our library, which opened last year, is very popular.”, shows a different use of the same lesson idea. Compare the choices rather than memorising a whole sentence. In a new situation, choose the meaning you need first, then select the words and structure that express it. Read or say the result once more to check that another person can understand it.
වැඩි විස්තර අවශ්ය විට පමණක් මෙම කොටස කියවන්න.
Optional extra unit worksheet
Practise the whole unit and receive a separate answer or model guide.
The paid worksheet brings together all the lessons in this unit. A separate answer or model guide is included. Page count depends on the skills and activities.
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