This document discusses forming complex sentences. It reviews simple subject-verb-object sentences and how to add descriptions using adjectives, adverbs, and conjunctions. It then introduces complex sentences, which add a dependent clause using BISAWAVE conjunctions (because, if, since, as, when, although/even though, eventually, besides). Examples show how to build sentences from simple to compound to complex. The goal is to use different structures for varying effects and to enhance writing.

1. Writing 101
Complex Sentences with
BISAWAVE

2. Learning Objective

To form a variety of sentences.

3. Review - SVO
In a sentence, there is a subject, verb & an object.
Subject – the name of the person, place or thing
in a sentence; the key idea.
Verb – the action the subject has taken in relation
to the object.
Object – the object the subject is interacting with.
It could be another person, place or thing.

4. Review - Adding Descriptions &
FANBOYS
You have learnt sentences can gain more meaning
with adjectives, adverbs and FANBOYS:
1. Alex ran non-stop (adverb) for (FANBOYS) he
wanted to see his sick mother soon (adverb).
2. Little (adjective) John cried but (FANBOYS) he
was ignored.
3. Alice apologised repeatedly (adverb) yet
(FANBOYS) she was not forgiven.

5. More examples of Adj and Adv

Use both adjectives and adverbs in your
sentences make them more interesting.
Original: One day a hare was bragging about
how he could run.
Improved:
One day a prideful hare was bragging
continuously about how he could really run.
Q: Can you identify the adverbs and adjective in
this sentence?

6. More examples of FANBOYS

Use adjectives, adverbs and conjunctions to
create a better paragraph.
Original: One day a hare was bragging about
how he could run. He challenged the tortoise to
a race.
Improved: One day a prideful hare was bragging
continuously about how he could really run and
he challenged the tortoise to a race.
Q: Can you identify the adverbs and adjective in
this sentence?

7. Adding Phrases
You have learnt too that phrases enhance your
sentences.
1. Alex ran non-stop (adverb) for (FANBOYS) he
wanted to see his sick mother as soon as
possible (adverbial phrase).
2. Little (adjective) John cried the whole morning
(adverbial phrase) but (FANBOYS) he was
ignored.
3. Alice apologised repeatedly and remorsefullly
(adverbial phrase) yet (FANBOYS) she was not
forgiven.

8. BISAWAVE Conjunctions



We can now explore a third type of sentence
structure – complex sentence.
A compound sentence combines two equal
simple sentences. A complex sentence, on the
other hand, adds a dependent sentence to the
original simple sentence.
The most common ones you will be using are
formed inside this acronym: BISAWAVE:
Because , if , since , as , while/when ,
although/even though, eventually, besides

9. BISAWAVE

Use BISAWAVE to further develop your
sentences.
Original: One day a hare was bragging about
how he could run. He challenged the tortoise to
a race. The tortoise accepted it. It was the
slowest animal there.
Improved: One day a prideful hare was bragging
continuously about how he could really run and
he challenged the tortoise to a race. The
tortoise readily accepted it although it was the
slowest animal there.

10. BISAWAVE



Using BISAWAVE conjunction, a dependent
sentence has been added.
'it was the slowest animal there.' doesn't make
sense on its own – it depends on the simple
sentence – 'the tortoise accepted the challenge.'
'he challenged the tortoise to a race.' makes
sense on its own as it stands as an independent
idea.

11. Different sentences for different effect
1. Simple Sentence– an important ideas.
2. Compound/Complex Sentence – details needed.
3. Compound & Complex Sentence – pace needed

12. Learning Activity

Use compound and complex sentences together
with adjectives and adverbs to enhance these
simple sentences.
The boy cried wolf. The villagers ran to save the
sheep. No wolf was seen. The villagers grew
tired the boy's jokes. No one came to the rescue
when the wolves finally came. They ate up all
the sheep. The boy was sad beyond words.

13. Learning Activity Suggested Answers

Use compound and complex sentences together
with adjectives and adverbs to enhance these
simple sentences.
The boy cried wolf again. No wolf was seen when
the villagers ran to save the sheep. One day, a
wolf finally came. As the villagers had grown
tired of the boy's jokes, no one came to his
rescue. The hungry wolves ate up all the sheep
and the boy was sad beyond words.

14. Discussion

What is the third type of sentence structure,
after simple and compound?

How is it different from compound?

What do we do to make different sentences?

15. In summary



Complex sentence is discussed as the third type
of sentence structure.
Complex adds a dependent sentence to the
original sentence.
We use a combination of adjectives, adverbs,
simple, compound and complex sentences.