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Complex sentences: participle clauses, cleft sentences, inversions
Using complex sentence structures demonstrates a high level of English and is rewarded in EVAU writing tasks.
1. Participle clauses
Participle clauses replace relative clauses or adverbial clauses, making writing more concise and sophisticated.
Present participle (-ing)
- Replacing a relative clause (active): The man sitting by the window is my uncle. (= who is sitting)
- Replacing an adverbial clause (reason/time): Feeling tired, she went to bed early. (= Because she felt tired)
- Simultaneous actions: She left the room, slamming the door behind her.
Past participle (-ed / irregular)
- Replacing a passive relative clause: The book written by Cervantes is world-famous. (= which was written)
- Reason (passive): Shocked by the news, she couldn't speak. (= Because she was shocked)
Perfect participle (having + past participle)
- Completed action before the main clause: Having finished his homework, he went out to play. (= After he had finished)
2. Cleft sentences
Cleft sentences are used for emphasis. They "split" a simple sentence to highlight one element.
- It-cleft: It was John who broke the window. (emphasis on John)
- What-cleft: What I need is a long holiday. (emphasis on the need)
- All-cleft: All I want is peace and quiet.
- The thing/person/reason/place: The reason I came was to see you.
Ejemplo
Simple sentence: She loves travelling.
It-cleft: It is travelling that she loves.
What-cleft: What she loves is travelling.
All-cleft: All she loves is travelling. (note: the all-cleft adds the meaning 'the only thing')
3. Inversion for emphasis
Formal or literary structures where the normal subject-verb order is inverted for emphasis.
- Negative adverbs: Never, Seldom, Rarely, Hardly, Not only, No sooner, Under no circumstances, On no account, At no time, Little. Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset.
- Not only...but also: Not only did she win the race, but she also broke the record.
- No sooner...than: No sooner had he arrived than it started to rain.
- Hardly/Scarcely...when: Hardly had I sat down when the phone rang.
Ejercicio tipo EVAU
EVAU-style exercise: Rewrite for emphasis or using a participle clause.
1. She passed all her exams. She felt very proud. (HAVING) --> ___
2. I need your help. (WHAT) --> ___
3. He not only speaks French but also Italian. (NOT ONLY) --> ___
4. The girl who is standing at the door is my sister. (STANDING) --> ___
5. She had barely finished speaking when everyone applauded. (HARDLY) --> ___
Ejercicios- Rewrite these sentences using participle clauses: a) Because I didn't know the answer, I left the question blank. b) The castle, which was built in 1400, is now a museum.
- Write four sentences about your school using cleft sentences for emphasis.