Using the comma rules in non-finite complex sentences | English

Starter quiz

Which of the following are found in a non-finite complex sentence?
- a main clause ✓
- a relative clause
- an adverbial clause
- a non-finite clause ✓
Which of the following contain a non-finite (-ing) clause?
- As we looked up, we saw bright stars shining.
- Looking up, we saw bright stars shining. ✓
- She shook our hands when she got up from her chair.
- She shook our hands, getting up from her chair. ✓
Which of these non-finite complex sentences are correctly formed?
- Looking up, the stars were shining.
- Looking up, I saw the stars were shining. ✓
- Running down the canal towpath, she spotted a brilliant kingfisher. ✓
- Running down the canal towpath, a brilliant kingfisher flew past.
Match the type of complex sentence to the type of word it might require.
- adverbial complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  subordinating conjunction ✓
- relative complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  relative pronoun ✓
- non-finite complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  progressive tense verb with -ing suffix ✓
Match the main clauses to the non-finite (-ing) clauses that could follow them.
- We walked along the beach
  
  ⇔
  
  , searching for interesting shells. ✓
- The children dashed outside
  
  ⇔
  
  , hoping to use the football pitch. ✓
- Mrs Begum smiled
  
  ⇔
  
  , seeing that we were eager to finish the story. ✓
Which main clause would best complete this non-finite complex sentence? 'Diving into the water, __________.'
- I leaped into the air.
- I felt as if I had been plunged into an ice bath. ✓
- I got ready to swim.

Exit quiz

Which of the following will we always find in a non-finite (-ing) complex sentence?
- a main clause ✓
- a progressive tense verb with an -ing suffix ✓
- a comma ✓
- a relative clause
Match the type of complex sentence to the word that might start its subordinate clause.
- non-finite complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  rushing ✓
- adverbial complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  when ✓
- relative complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  who ✓
Match each type of complex sentence to an example.
- relative complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  The hill, which was very steep, was over 700m high. ✓
- adverbial complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  When we got to the top of the hill, we rested a while. ✓
- non-finite complex sentence
  
  ⇔
  
  Laying on the ground, we tried to catch our breath. ✓
Which of the following is true of a non-finite (-ing) complex sentence?
- There is never a comma between the main clause and the non-finite (-ing) clause.
- There is always a comma between the main clause and the non-finite clause. ✓
- There is sometimes a comma between the main clause and the non-finite clause.
Tick all the non-finite (-ing) complex sentences that have the correct commas.
- Waiting by the door I listened to their conversation.
- Waiting by the door, I listened to their conversation. ✓
- The dog barked loudly, hoping to get our attention. ✓
- The dog barked loudly hoping to get our attention.
Tick all the non-finite (-ing) complex sentences that have the correct commas used for all purposes.
- Stepping into the warm, humid greenhouse, I loosened my tie. ✓
- Stepping into the warm humid greenhouse, I loosened my tie.
- She stomped into the room, barging past Jun Sam and Jacob.
- She stomped into the room, barging past Jun, Sam and Jacob. ✓

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

A non-finite clause joined to a main clause forms a non-finite complex sentence.
The non-finite clause denotes ongoing action that relates to the subject of the main clause.
The action of the non-finite clause occurs simultaneously to the action of the main clause.
The non-finite clause can come first in the complex sentence followed by the main clause or vice versa.
A comma is always used to demarcate the non-finite clause from the main clause despite its position in the sentence.

Common misconception

Pupils may not include the subject of the non-finite clause at the start of the main clause.

Explain that the person doing the non-finite clause must be mentioned at the start of the main clause.

Keywords

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
Comma - a punctuation mark used to demarcate the non-finite clause from the main clause in a non-finite complex sentence
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
Non-finite complex sentence - a sentence formed of a main clause and a non-finite subordinate clause