Starter quiz
- Why has a comma been used in this sentence? We could go home, or we could go to the cinema.
- because it follows an adverbial clause
- because it follows a co-ordinating conjunction which needs a comma ✓
- to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase
- to separate nouns in a list
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- Why has a comma been used in this sentence? As the moon rose, it cast its bright, shimmering light onto the sea.
- to follow an adverbial clause in an adverbial complex sentence ✓
- to separate two adjectives in an expanded noun phrase ✓
- to separate nouns in a list
- to show where a relative clause begins and ends
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- Which of these sentences is punctuated correctly with commas?
- After we get home we will watch TV.
- After we get, home we will watch TV.
- After we get home, we will watch TV. ✓
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- Which of these relative complex sentences is punctuated correctly with commas?
- The sun, which was very bright warmed the beach.
- The sun, which was very bright, warmed the beach. ✓
- The sun which was very bright, warmed the beach.
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- A comma is missing from this sentence; what would its purpose be? When it was home time, we collected our bags our coats and our reading books.
- to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase
- to separate nouns in a list ✓
- to follow an adverbial clause
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- Which of the following is not a function of a comma?
- to show where a relative clause begins and ends
- to follow an adverbial clause
- to go before the co-ordinating conjunction 'and' ✓
- to separate adjectives in an expanded noun phrase
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Exit quiz
- Which of the following verb forms could start a non-finite clause?
- leaping ✓
- leapt
- leaps
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- Which of the following are non-finite clauses?
- passing the parcel to my left ✓
- swimming is my favourite activity
- running is a fast way to travel
- jumping into the pool ✓
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- Which of the following are true for non-finite clauses?
- They are a type of subordinate clause. ✓
- They must be added to a main clause to make complete sense. ✓
- They can start with a word with an -ing suffix. ✓
- They are a type of main clause.
- They can be placed before or after a main clause. ✓
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- Match the type of subordinate clause to the type of word it begins with.
- adverbial clause⇔subordinating conjunction ✓
- relative clause⇔relative pronoun ✓
- non-finite clause⇔progressive tense verb with an -ing suffix ✓
- Match the type of subordinate clause to the example.
- adverbial clause⇔when it was time for dinner ✓
- relative clause⇔which was delicious ✓
- non-finite clause⇔chomping loudly on my food ✓
- In this sentence, what group of words is the non-finite clause? We applauded the performer, cheering loudly in amazement.
- we applauded the performer
- cheering loudly in amazement ✓
- cheering loudly
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Any subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a verb and does not make complete sense.
- Any subordinate clause must join to a main clause to make sense.
- A non-finite clause is a type of subordinate clause.
- A non-finite clause can start with a verb in the progressive tense that denotes ongoing action.
- The previously-learnt types of subordinate clause are the adverbial clause and the relative clause.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that any sentence beginning with an -ing word contains a non-finite clause.
Emphasise that a non-finite clause is a subordinate clause so cannot make complete sense - 'Singing is great!' is not a non-finite clause.
Keywords
Subordinate clause - a group of words that contains a verb and does not make complete sense
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
Non-finite clause - a type of subordinate clause that can start with a verb in the progressive tense
Progressive tense - a tense that denotes ongoing action
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